Chris Elliott set up Charities United, a group which connects charities, social enterprises and other community organisations, back in 2017. The Marketing Manager for The Feed social enterprise in Norwich explains what led him to set up the group
When Chris Elliott set up Charities United in 2017, just half a dozen people attended the first meeting. Nowadays, there are 160 people involved in the group, all told. It was set up as a forum for marketers, fundraisers and others in the sector – and meets quarterly to build relationships, share knowledge and identify ways to collaborate. From that first meeting, the group has flourished and more than 30 attended the most recent meeting, which doubled up as the fifth birthday celebration and was held at The Feed’s Waterloo Park venue.
Chris Elliott, The Feed‘s Marketing Manager, explains why he set up the group: ‘It can feel like we are in competition within our sector, with charities and other groups all running our own fundraising events, looking for new supporters and so on. In reality, we can learn from and support each other, so we all improve how we help the people our organisations are serving. It’s been heart-warming seeing friendships grow and organisations teaming up over the last five years.’
Tom Holmes, the Events & Engagement Manager at Big C cancer charity in Norwich, would agree. ‘Being part of Charities United has been really beneficial to Big C and to me personally. The group provides the opportunity to meet up with others from the not-for-profit sector, share ideas and learn from the experiences of others.’
And Caroline Allen, Senior Corporate Fundraiser at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), adds: ‘It’s fantastic to be part of the Charities United group within Norwich. To be able to meet with fellow professionals within the charity sector to share, learn and support each other is invaluable.’
If you’d like to know more email chris@thefeed.org.uk
Featured image: Chris Elliott addressing the group at the recent Charities United meeting at The Feed’s Waterloo Park venue. Picture credit: Mary Doggett
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