For the first time in its history, The Red Hen Project was able to bring all of its volunteers together in one place – thanks to a helping hand from Meet Cambridge.
Cambridge’s official conference and events bureau facilitated a special volunteer celebration at Gonville & Caius College, giving the Red Hen Project the opportunity to thank the dedicated volunteers who help the charity support children and families in North Cambridge. For over 28 years, they have provided practical help in times of crisis alongside longer-term 1:1 family worker support that builds confidence, stability and connection. The regular, trusted presence of volunteers help families feel less isolated and more able to move forward.
The connection was made through the With Purpose Network, a platform that links local businesses with charities to foster meaningful collaboration.
Jen Rutter at the Red Hen Project, said:
Because of the connection made through Meet Cambridge and the With Purpose Network, this celebration was able to happen. That simple introduction has had a real ripple effect. We were able to bring all our volunteers together in one place for the first time, which was significant for our small charity. They give so much of themselves to Red Hen children and families, often quietly and without fuss, so having space to properly thank them meant a great deal.
When volunteers feel appreciated and connected, they stay involved, grow in confidence, and bring even more warmth and consistency to the families they support. This is hugely important to families who are living in chaos, suffering from poor mental health, experiencing the challenges that living in poverty brings and often isolated and alone.
Meet Cambridge joined the With Purpose Network earlier this year to strengthen its social impact within the community. Head of Meet Cambridge, Andrew Bell said:
We're grateful to venues such as Gonville and Caius College for providing the space, which allows their values to shine through and be realised. Being able to facilitate this is very gratifying. Joining the With Purpose Network strengthen our social values supporting our city’s charities where we can – whether that’s by connecting them with venues or helping events coming to Cambridge leave a positive impact. We are delighted to play a small part in helping the Red Hen Project, which is such an important charity.”
Founded by Rachel Hales, the With Purpose Network builds bridges between Cambridge’s thriving corporate sector and the charities working to support the city. She said:
The collaboration highlights how Cambridgeshire businesses can make a tangible difference for charities, and drive their social value ambitions, in a mutually beneficial way, particularly at a time when demand for services is rising and budgets are tight.
Georgina Millar, Conference and Events Manager at Gonville & Caius College, added:
We are located in the very centre of the city and conscious of our place at the heart of Cambridge. We were delighted to be able to show our thanks to some of the volunteers from the Red Hen Project, a group of wonderful people doing amazing work for the community of which we are a part.
As a member of the network, Meet Cambridge's longer-term vision is to encourage and give event organisers a means to make a positive difference in Cambridge, ensuring businesses visiting the city leave a lasting impact on the local community. This builds on its existing Meet Up and Make a Difference initiative, providing more opportunities for venues and organisers to integrate social value into their events.
To learn more, get in touch with the Meet Cambridge team at www.meet-cambridge.com or for the With Purpose Network, head to www.getsynergised.com/with-purpose-about