Why Solihull Together?
Solihull Together is an initiative by SUSTAiN in response to a need to raise awareness and funds for voluntary & community groups in Solihull.
We asked the people of Solihull what they knew about charities and voluntary groups in the area. The answer? Very little. We recorded the results on video for you to watch
Most people struggled to name at least one community organisations or charity local to Solihull and were surprised to learn that there are actually more than 600, but nearly everyone was willing to give their time and their support to local causes – they just needed to be asked!
So this is where Solihull Together first came in – to raise the profile of Solihull’s voluntary organisations and charities and making it easier for local residents to access services and for individuals and businesses to support them.
In it’s first few months, promotional activity took place and the focus was on recruiting volunteers. However, needs changed and, with the impending opening of Volunteer Centres, the focus was switched to raising funds.
In the past, a grant was made available to the CVS to support local groups. That grant is no longer available and so the funds raised by Solihull Together replace that grant.
SUSTAiN organise two large scale events each year such as a charity ball and sponsored walk. The type of events that would be impractical for most groups to organise. From time to time we also persuade our contacts in the business community to organise a fund raising event (like a quiz night or 10 pin bowling night) or to donate to the fund.
The awareness raising continues with events such as the Voluntary Services Exhibition in June 2011 and the Voluntary Services Video and Voluntary Services Directory (copies from SUSTAiN office).
Solihull Together has been a successful initiative, raising thousands of pounds which has gone to support local groups and raising awareness of voluntary organisations in the borough. The campaign continues as an important part of the services SUSTAiN provides.