More than 1,000 people gathered at the Norfolk Showground last night for Illuminate Norfolk, a landmark event hosted by Norfolk Community Foundation to celebrate 20 years of championing local charities. Lady Dannatt, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and Patron of the Foundation, reflects on its legacy
As the Lord-Lieutenant for Norfolk, I am privileged to witness first-hand the caring character and generosity of spirit that define our county. Yet, it is impossible to overlook the growing challenges our communities are facing, particularly those faced by young children and their families. The cost-of-living crisis has shone a light on the pressing needs in our communities, but these needs are nothing new. It is easy to feel helpless in the face of such big challenges, but if we all come together, we can create meaningful, practical solutions that truly make an impact in our communities.
Something I love about Norfolk is that I see people of all ages putting the needs of others before themselves. These are the people who run small charities and community groups that provide so much comfort and support to struggling families in our towns, villages, and the city. But they are also the people who run local businesses that want to do right by their communities, the local councillors who dedicate their time to their parishes, and the individuals who share what they have with those who need it most. They do it quietly and without any fuss, never looking for the praise or recognition they deserve; they simply want to help other people.
I recently attended an event: Illuminate. Hosted by Norfolk Community Foundation, a charity of which I am patron, this evening brought together volunteers, local businesses, charities, and their supporters to celebrate the difference they have made and will continue to make. I celebrated alongside these extraordinary Norfolk citizens, walking with them as we discovered anew the impact of local charities, who immersed us in their work and showed how they ensure no one in Norfolk struggles alone.
Some of the exhibitors included impactful charities like Home-Start Norfolk. Their work supports families with young children and is nothing short of transformative. By offering compassion and support, they help parents build the confidence they need to create stable, loving environments for their children. I know firsthand the difference their early interventions make in laying the groundwork for long-term change.
Similarly, I was delighted to meet the wonderful team behind the Pandora Project, which provides a lifeline for women and children affected by domestic abuse. Having worked as a counsellor, I know that domestic abuse is more common in Norfolk than many would like to admit. The Pandora Project’s holistic approach ensures survivors receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. Their work reminds us that no child—or parent—should have to endure fear in their own home.
And then there was Magic Acorns, a charity bringing joy to families struggling with the rising cost of living. They use the magic of creativity and play to support young children and their families, knowing the profound impact of nurturing the whole child—not just their physical needs. Many families today simply can’t afford to do this sort of thing, so their work is a beautiful reminder of the joy and potential that every child deserves to experience.
These life-changing charities, and many others like them, are shining examples of what can be achieved when we come together. Over the last few years, I have met many hundreds of people who do wonderful work in their local community, and they have been doing this work for many years. In an age where we often look for a ‘quick fix’, these charities remind us that to really help people, we need to be patient and work together with a long-term view to create solutions to the challenges people face, alongside the people who are facing them.
Illuminate was a chance for us all to reflect on what we can accomplish when we work together. It was a moment where we felt the power of the partnerships we make every day, from boardrooms to food banks, village halls to our own neighbours. It was a chance to thank those who so generously give their time and resources, and to reaffirm our collective responsibility for building a better future for families in Norfolk.
Visit Norfolk Community Foundation.
Featured image of Lady Dannatt, Patron, giving a speech praising the hidden heroes of Norfolk, by Richard Jarmy Photography
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