“Thank you so much for organising the Community People “Meet The Funders” event in Haywards Heath. It was such a great opportunity to meet local funders as well as network with other charities in the area. We have 2 new projects in the pipeline that came about directly from chatting to other charities while waiting to speak to the funders, a new funding opportunity arose and we were invited to speak on local radio – so all in all a really positive morning. We look forward to the next one. “
Chloe Coker | UK Programme Coordinator, IMPACT Foundation
What a fantastic morning we had at Chequer Mead!
The Mid Sussex Voluntary Action – Community People networking event was nothing short of inspiring. It’s not every day that you get to mingle with the passionate hearts of and beyond!
Meeting other charities and funders, exchanging ideas and forging new partnerships left us invigorated. The icing on the cake? Having the honour of being in the presence of East Grinstead’s very own Mayor Steve Ody.
These connections are invaluable – they’re the fuel that fires our collective mission to make a difference. And let’s not forget the buzzing atmosphere at Chequer Mead – truly the perfect backdrop for such an illustrious gathering.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all who attended and made this event a resounding success. Your enthusiasm is what makes our community thrive!
Let’s keep this momentum going. If you missed out today, worry not! There will be more opportunities to connect, share, and grow together.
In March 2024, we asked our member groups: “What would be the impact of Community People not existing on your organisation/service/project?”
This is what they told us:
“Running a Community Centre is a very isolated role without much contact with other carrying out the same role. Community People provides interaction with other who understand the daily challenges we can be presented with.”
“We would need to work much harder to find the support, information, advice, signposting, and collaboration that you provide. And I’m not sure we could do that. So we would be much poorer organisations as a consequence.”
“I think that we would struggle as we are a group made up of three people and bigger organisations do not want to help us.”
“Community People have been incredibly helpful and supportive!”
“The volunteers fair alone provided us with very worthwhile connections. The room hire at reduced rate as a CIC is very helpful.”
“We have always valued the support of the Voluntary sector support groups across the county. Community People not being there would have a terrible impact on smaller groups in the district and lead to a less connected and diminished sector.”
“It would be very difficult without Community People support. Support is critical with voluntary groups.”
“I don’t want to think about it!”
“Wouldn’t know where to turn for the same advice.”
“We’d lose expertise and advice.”