Over 60 Watford charities attended the Community Exchange Action Day hosted by Richard Harrington MP on Friday 15th February, giving them the chance to attend advice workshops and network with other organisations and businesses.
A large majority of Watford’s third sector organisations attended the Action Day which was designed to help charities and organisations across the town. The day started with a welcome from Charities Minister, Nick Hurd MP who praised the initiative, which was followed by a number of advice seminars including marketing, HR advice and on available funding from a variety of sources.
The event culminated in a lively speed networking event during which charities met with local businesses who had something to offer from resources to volunteer hours. During the day many groups made useful links and formed working partnerships for the future.
The Action Day was part of the ongoing Watford Community Exchange which encourages local businesses and individuals to link with existing charities in need of assistance to swap skills, expertise and time.
Many charities present on the day gave thanks for the opportunities they had received including:
Nine Lives Charity: “Just like to say a thank you for the action day I attended on Friday. It was very informative and interesting. The networking is always great too”
Give4Sure: “Just a quick e mail to congratulate you on a great day, it was so well organised, you did brilliantly. Thanks for inviting us on Friday it was great. The day was most enlightening in regard to charities in the area and you deserve a lot of praise for organising the event. Once again congratulations on a great day.”
Following the event, Richard Harrington said:
“Local charities and community groups do so much to support our town, and I set up Watford Community Exchange to ensure that we are supporting them right back – to ensure that they have the information and help they need to continue and to grow. A key part of the Exchange was the Action Day, and I was pleased to see so many positive outcomes with local businesses coming forward to give support and advice in areas ranging from marketing to funding. Watford CVS will now help me to manage the Exchange as it has grown so much since I set it up in November, I already have people asking when the next event will be – so watch this space!”