As Partners in the Antidote, we are keen to foster closer relationships between local businesses and charitable organisations. The word 'charity' can generate images of 'tin-rattlers' seeking to reduce your hard-earned profits! In reality, the truth can be very different.

Yes, Charities need regular donations to survive and if you can help in that way, excellent. However, they frequently have an even greater need for business expertise. Marketing, Promotion, Selling, Publicity, Financial Systems, Legal Advice, Training . . . the list is extensive. Even if you are a sole-trader you may be able to help simply by pointing them towards a suitable source by using your contacts.

In March 2009, the Antidote's first 'Charity Showcase' opportunity was accepted by Sophie Browne of Nelson's Journey www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk Here's what Sophie said to us after the event:

"Thank you for your hospitality at the Speed Networking event, I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many people. I have had quite a few contacts from people inviting me to other networking events, making links with local magazines to gain us some publicity and others who are helping to increase our profile by having literature on their premises. I have a couple of meetings set up as well, so all in all it was a very successful event for me."

Those benefits for Nelson's Journey came simply via a small product table with their pop-up banner beside it.

So, what can you do to help the Antidote link local businesses to deserving charitable organisations?

1. Speak with your favourite charity to see if the Antidote's 'Charity Showcase' opportunity interests them. If so, give them our contact details or, preferably bring them along to sample an Antidote event first-hand.

2. Whenever you see a charity featured at our events, approach their stand with an open mind. Explore whether your particular expertise and range of contacts is valuable for their survival. You may be very pleasantly surprised how important you are to them.

Nelson’s Journey, a local charity, help children find ways of coping with their bereavement, enabling them to look forward to a happy future

The charity supports bereaved children and young people from 0 – 17yrs. They are the only specialist organisation in Norfolk offering a wide range of services including therapeutic weekend camps for bereaved children.

Their services help to: increase self esteem by enabling children to meet others who have been bereaved, provide education about causes of death and the events surrounding the funeral, assist families in talking more openly, enable children to express and understand emotions, and to provide children with opportunities to remember the person who has died.

Needs for 2009 As with many charities Nelson’s Journey faces a difficult year ahead. They are a small organistion with an annual income of just over £160k. Their priorities this year include: securing their own office accommodation which will enable them to extend the range of services they are able to offer, increasing the regular income they receive to ensure they are more sustainable and can plan more effectively for the future and to increase their profile in areas of Norfolk they are currently less known.


For more information please visit www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk