24th and 26th November 2009 at The Bridge in Shirley and Castle Bromwich Youth and Community Centre

November’s theme was sustainable funding and featured workshops on commissioning within Solihull Care Trust and Council, how to get your voice heard and influence people and a hands-on session about practical marketing tools to get your organisation noticed. The events were an excellent opportunity to meet with commissioners and spend some one-to-one time with the people who make decisions locally. And for those more interested in more traditional types of funding, there was a helpful presentation that offered tips on finding new sources of income, filling in grant applications and fundraising.

28th and 29th April 2009 at Ramada Solihull and the Fordbridge Centre

April’s event focused on resilience and surviving the recession. Local business advisor Lawrie Rumens shared his expertise in a motivational presentation looking at some of the tactics businesses adopt in a downturn and how they can equally apply to voluntary organisations. A panel of experts held surgeries on marketing, funding, motivating people, volunteering, organisational planning and performance management. And Solihull Together was officially launched.

Lawrie Rumens offers his take on survival

The Mayor of Solihull’s launch speech for Solihull Together

9th February 2009 at the Ramada Solihull

Solihull’s Third Sector Network launched officially on 9th February 2009 at the Ramada Solihull. Kicking off with a video explaining what the network is setting out to do, the event then moved into a series of workshops on topics such as networking and community engagement. With an excellent turnout, this successful meeting really set the benchmark for future events.