just imagine if _
_our neighbourhoods thrive
_our communities shape their futures
_and daring dreams become reality
Together, we create bold spaces where imagination sparks action, and health and well-being flourish.
At just imagine if _
we believe the future is
shaped by the collective courage to dream and the power to act.
We partner with communities, organisations, and leaders facing complex social challenges, ready to co-create new paths forward. Through imagination, creativity, and collaboration, we unlock the potential within systems, groups and neighbourhoods to build healthier, more vibrant environments where everyone can thrive.
Our vision.
A world where people live in health and harmony, taking dreams into action and creating communities that value diversity, well-being, and shared purpose.
Our mission.
We create inclusive, playful yet serious spaces where people come together to reimagine their neighbourhoods and health, turning ambitious ideas into transformative, lasting change.
We coach leaders from every corner of the system—whether seasoned professionals or emerging changemakers—equipping them to spark change with courage, optimism, and focus. Partnering with academics and institutions, we continuously learn and refine our impact.
Our values.
Creativity: Imagination is the spark that lights the way. We harness our collective creativity to build joyful connections and a better world.
Inclusion: Diversity enriches every conversation. We actively welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives giving equal voice to all.
Safe & Courageous: We create safe spaces where everyone feels free to share bold, even ‘ridiculous’ ideas—the kind that lead to breakthrough change.
Generosity: Generosity is the foundation of thriving communities. We seek to be generous in everything we do.
Our approach.
Change starts with ourselves: the role we play and how we show up as a leader. But it doesn’t stop there: sustained system change requires us to bring people together across traditional boundaries. Together, we embark on a journey from curiosity to courageous action through imagination, co-creation and leadership.
Connecting people and organisations to foster collaboration, creativity, bold thinking and action.
Developing the beliefs and behaviours that sustain meaningful change.
Designing safe yet daring spaces where bold ideas can flourish and evolve into real-world prototypes.
Using storytelling and other creative mechanisms: words, art, poetry, theatre and music—to connect, deepen understanding, and inspire action.
The three strands of Imagination,
Co-creation and Leadership are interwoven into the fabric of
Just imagine if_
Underpinned by Self and the presence we bring to our work and life.
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Imagination plays a central but often hidden role in the creation of our health and care system, and society as a whole. Using our individual and collective imagination to create something different, we contribute to a future which is better able to meet our society’s needs. Imagination has got us this far and imagination will take us onwards. We turn dreams into reality through the prototypes and experiments which emerge, taking us from ideas into action.
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Whose imagination counts? The future of our society, communities and systems isn't just a job for 'experts'. Many of the most transformational ideas are held within the communities that need the system the most. At Just imagine if_ we invite people with lived experience to be at the heart of the imagining we do, creating generative and appreciative spaces in which together we can build the new. Co-creative principles help us to turn our dreaming into doing.
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Just imagine if_ leaders come from anywhere within the system. They are curious individuals who welcome in others, creating hope and possibility, whilst holding the uncertainty and discomfort of change. They support people to imagine a future which retains the things that work well, to dismantle what doesn’t contribute and to grow the new that's missing. Creating the environment and confidence from which new ideas can grow. They are taken into action through collective ownership of the possibilities .
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Self is at the heart of everything we do. The depths of our true self is often hidden from us. Self understanding enables us to better interpret our perspectives and responses, and be more open to those around us. Just imagine if_ contributes to deepening awareness of yourself and others.
Our process.
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Understanding where we are in our journey, who is involved, and the ecosystem holding the status quo.
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Identifying the catalysts—leaders and enablers—and developing the understanding, behaviours and skills to accelerate and sustain imaginative change.
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Defining the central question we are addressing and adapting the creative process to answer it.
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Imagining a flourishing world in 10 years through art, poetry, music, stories, and experimental thinking. Complemented by exploring today’s realities and barriers.
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Moving into action. Pushing boundaries to design new solutions. Deciding what to stop, what to protect, and what experiments to start now.
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Developing the ecosystem to take into action. The plan, leadership, accountability, success indicators, and relationships to sustain momentum and change.
The Benefits.
For people & communities.
Empowered to imagine and shape our own futures
Stronger connections and shared purpose across diverse groups
Safe spaces to explore ideas and take courageous steps forward
Access to creative tools and coaching for sustainable change
For systems & institutions.
New ways to collaborate beyond traditional silos
Fresh insights and prototypes addressing complex social challenges
Stronger relationships built on trust and shared power
Learning and connecting with others to develop the capacity to create change together.
Get involved.
For Event Attendees
Step into inspiring spaces where your voice matters, and imagination leads to action. Connect with diverse thinkers, spark new ideas, and be part of a vibrant community shaping healthier futures.
For Organisations & Institutions
Partner with us to bring people together across boundaries and turn ideas into reality. Co-creating innovative solutions that strengthen our places, communities and enabling systems.
For Community Members
Join our community and explore our practical toolkits designed to help your neighbourhood imagine, experiment, and build sustainable futures. Empower yourself and your community to take bold steps toward lasting change.
Upcoming Experiences
The "just imagine if_ Hope Sessions" inspire meaningful change by working closely with communities to address local challenges. These sessions bring together local leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to share stories of resilience, collaboration, and hope. By fostering open dialogue, they spark fresh perspectives and empower communities to turn bold ideas into collective action. It’s a space where shared hope strengthens bonds and imagination drives transformative progress.
New dates coming soon
Date: will be announced soon
Location:
Price:
Past events
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just imagine if_ supporting Bath Spa University to deliver
‘A place at the table.’
Creating a Manifesto For Inclusion: A unique two-day symposium exploring why and how to ensure inclusion is at the heart of our communities, councils and institutions.
Nickie Jakeman from just imagine if_ worked with Phoebe Kemp who describes herself as a queer trans disabled director. We crafted and then facilitated 2 half day workshops together, bringing a range of marginalised groups to the table to explore what it means to be included.
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In collaboration with Bath Spa University and community partners we created a 2-day just imagine if event.
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In partnership with Manchester Museum and Healthier Futures at the University of Manchester.
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Spring 20206
Our stories.
Read and see real stories from our past events
Read and see real stories from our past events
Real-life journeys of communities turning imagination into powerful transformation. These stories celebrate hope, courage, and the joy of building better futures together.
The Rochdale Story - coming soon
“Rochdale is the future”
Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of NHS Confederation
Catalyst Event Highlights.
In partnership with the Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking, our catalyst event brought together patients, professionals, creatives, and changemakers to co-create their vision for the future: a space for brave ideas and bold action.
“The space created for cross-disciplinary conversations was priceless—every voice valued, every idea brave.”
NHS Senior Leader
“Excited to see how this could develop and keep moving forward with transformational actions.”
GP & regional trainer
Imagine it. Do it.
Meet our People
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![A smiling woman with short blonde hair standing outdoors in front of greenery.]()
Sarah Cowley
FOUNDER & CO-CURATOR
It all began with an idea… and a belief that communities and leaders have the courage and capability to change their worlds.
Sarah is a leadership team coach and organisation development professional, committed to creating a more equal society.
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![Close-up photo of a smiling woman outdoors with trees in the background.]()
Dr Nickie Jakeman
CO-CURATOR
Bringing her experience as an Emergency Medicine Consultant, Coach and Changemaker.
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![A man with short gray hair and a beard, wearing a dark hoodie and camouflage shorts, kneeling next to a large brown and white bulldog outdoors in a green, wooded area.]()
Charlie McGibney
ADVISORY GROUP MEMBER & ASSOCIATE
Charlie is a disruptor who challenges the status quo. His background as an NHS Operations Director takes ideas into action.
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![A woman with curly blonde hair wearing a floral sleeveless top sitting outdoors in a grassy area with wildflowers.]()
Dr Hannah McDowall
ASSOCIATE
Hannah is an imagination practitioner and storyteller. She is committed to bringing the power of creativity to all.
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![A smiling man with a bald head and a beard, wearing a beige shirt with a black microphone clipped on, outdoors with wooden structures in the background.]()
Bastian Lindberg
Bastian is a facilitation acrobat bringing a deep interest in, and understanding of self and society.
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![A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiling in front of a bookshelf filled with art books and magazines.]()
Professor Penny Hay
ASSOCIATE
Professor of imagination at Bath Spa University. Founder of Forest of Imagination.
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![Portrait of a woman with short dark hair, wearing a white shirt and patterned vest, smiling against a gray background.]()
Dr Allison Streetley
ADVISOR & ASSOCIATE
Allison is renowned in the NHS as a senior health leader and changemaker.
