CATALYST CARDIFF 2026
Start something good.
With Dai Hankey, Co-founder of Manumit Coffee
The Table, Pentrych Street
Saturday 11th April, 10.00am-6.00pm
Tickets £15, or £10 concession.
The world is in a dark place.
Whether it's escalating inequality, ecological breakdown or the rise of the far right, now is not a time to sit on the sidelines.
Now is a time for action.
Time and again, small groups of people have gathered together to pray, dream and start something new.
From the Jubilee Debt Campaign to Amnesty International, ethical clothing brands to Homes for Ukraine, the UK church has a strong track record on creative innovation.
Small teams do big things - and as the Just Love Network, we want to dream big.
But there is hope.
Catalyst is a two-part innovation workshop from the Just Love Network.
This Spring, we're gathering thoughtful, creative & passionate people to generate solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems. Join us in Cardiff on Saturday 11th of April for a day of thought-provoking content, prayer and group workshops - with input from Dai Hankey and the Just Love staff team.
Dai is a director of Manumit Coffee Roasters, a social enterprise he co-founded with his friend, Nick Davis, in 2017 to provide dignity and hope to survivors of modern slavery through training and employment. Based in Cardiff, Manumit operates a roastery where survivors can rebuild their lives and gain professional skills in a safe, supportive environment. The business has successfully employed 18 survivors from various countries, ensuring that their coffee is "slavery-free from crop to cup." All profits from the venture are reinvested into anti-slavery projects.
Prior to establishing Manumit, Dai has led a diverse life as a church planter, author, and social reformer. He is the founder of Red Community, a Christian charity dedicated to fighting human trafficking across Wales through prayer, awareness, and practical support projects like “Embrace", a befriending initiative for survivors. Dai currently leads Mercy Church in Cardiff and is also an accomplished author of books such as Hopeward and the Eric Says… children’s series. Whether through his ministry, his writing, or his work in the coffee industry, Dai is widely recognised for his commitment to justice and his gospel-centred approach to serving the vulnerable and starting something good.
What's it all about?
By the end of a day together in Cardiff, we aim to develop 2-4 new Just Love Projects that could make a lasting difference in the world - and build the beginnings of a team to carry each one forwards.
Just Love Projects are small teams of people running after a clearly defined justice impact. We've already incubated 3 Just Love Projects:
Bank Well - UK churches banking safely & sustainably.
Teach Clean Air - equipping & educating healthcare workers.
Better Story - responding to Christian nationalism.
At Catalyst, we'll turbocharge these three movements and lay the groundwork for a new wave of Projects. Come build with us.
Catalyst Cardiff 2026: Schedule at a glance
SATURDAY
Doors Open & Coffee - 10:00-10:30am
Arrive at the venue, grab a Manumit coffee and meet others attending Catalyst this weekend!
SHAKE
Prayer & Listening 10:30am to 11:00am
We’ll begin with a morning of intercession and contemplative listening. As we begin Catalyst, we will note down what God might be saying and allow this to shape and guide us over the rest of the event.
Innovation Workshop: Dai Hankey - 11am to 12pm
A workshop and Q&A with Dai Hankey, Co-Founder of Manumit Coffee and Red Community
Lunch Break 12.00pm - 1:15pm
Over lunch, the Catalyst Team will capture what's happened so far and identify a set of groups, teams and project conversations for the afternoon.
Analysis & Idea Generation - 1:15pm - 2:30pm
Working in teams, we will critically analyse 5 problem areas, breaking them down and spotting trends and opportunities. Guided by experienced facilitators, we will steadily move from analysis to innovation.
MAKE
Catalyst Idea Labs - 2.30pm - 4pm
We will now move to the main event: designing powerful, visionary responses to the most serious justice issues of our time. By the end of the day, we aim to generate at least 3-5 credible, achievable Just Love Project ideas.
Break 4pm-4:30pm
TAKE
Next Steps - 4:30pm-5:30pm
We’ll gather to pray, reflect and set clear next steps. Where possible, we’ll start building teams and allocating resources. Where more discussion is needed, we’ll set up future times and dates.
What makes Catalyst different?
1. PASSIONATE PRAYER AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
We don't draw a false choice between prayer and strategy. We are 100% serious about both, and integrate both practices into our events and process.
2. EXPERTISE AND STARTING SMALL
Innovation is hard, and it pays to learn from the best. At the same time, you don't need to be an expert to start something. We are more interested in people, passion and ideas than in everything being perfect.
3. NETWORK POWER AND PARTNER POWER
We're a network of 1000 people pursuing justice in the way of Jesus, home to many working at the cutting edge of their field: we want to start powerful projects and movements from within this Network. At the same time, we give our best away, and love working with partner organisations to multiply everyone's impact.