Working in the charity sector is a privilege. Regularly, I am staggered by the dedication of individuals all committed to their cause. These inspirational people who strive to make a difference are magnetic. This was no more evident than at the recent community event I attended in Southampton.
An event where everyone has a heart of gold
Thornhill Baptist Church was the venue for the second in a series of Dragon’s Den style events which give individuals a unique opportunity to pitch an idea for a project to an audience and win over £500. However, ditch the scary dragons and the deep financial interrogations, this is an event where everyone involved has a heart of gold.
A way for small organisations to get a project off the ground
These interestingly named SOUP events follow the model of DETROIT SOUP crowd funding initiative. SOUP stands for Supporting Our Urban Projects and quite simply it’s a way for small organisations to get a project off the ground. Many small charities don’t need thousands of pounds to put their idea in motion; they just need a micro-fund. At a SOUP event the winner receives the ticket sales takings. Last year’s winner Alfie’s Arc used their prize money to buy a delivery van.
Meeting incredible people
As I said, I’m a big fan/advocate of the events because of the incredible people I meet and the stories they share. Last night we heard 3 pitchers presenting ideas to help make their community more active. First up was Claudia from We Make Southampton seeking funding to print posters for doctor’s surgeries to promote urban ‘green walks’. She described her project as ‘a way of inviting nature into our lives to encourage physical and emotional well-being’. Her compelling storytelling included references to her award winning film-making, activism and being a bus driver!
Then there’s Mike asking for funds to continue Tai Chi classes through his organisation Plus You Limited. His idea to offer martial arts classes as a way of combatting isolation after Covid was compelling and made even more so when a member of the audience and Tai Chi participant commented ‘Mike has given us an enormous gift to the community’. The audience were thrilled when they received a demo Tai Chi move – what a crowd-pleaser!
Colin, from Walking and Talking with Veterans sought funds to help promote his ‘walk and talk’ project. Through these walks, Colin’s goal is to reduce isolation and encourage veterans to share their feelings and access further services. He explained that on average, veterans take between 7-10 years to seek help and that a key part of the organisation’s service is to not just sign post but to sit down with the veteran and make the call together.
Time to connect with each other
We heard three groundbreaking ideas all of which would all make a significant, positive impact in the community. Like last year, I sensed everyone was struggling to choose a favourite. Whilst we mulled over each presentation we were served a bowl of soup and connected with the rest of the audience.
A highlight of SOUP for me is meeting people and hearing their stories. The audience and the individuals supporting the event are all part of the SOUP experience too. I met Astrid with her rainbow nails and jolly disposition who tells me about her commitment to volunteering and her luck when she found herself at the Download music festival. I meet the cheery husband and wife duo who form the catering team, Communibake. Not only did they prepare two delicious soups but they enthusiastically participated in the event. Then there’s Mike’s loyal group of fans in the corner who seem like they have formed a perfect friendship group since engaging in the Tai Chi classes. And last but no means least, there’s ‘host with the most’ Keith, with his charismatic, laid-back style making everyone feel welcome and valued.
It’s all about the people we meet
There’s so much positivity at these events and it’s all down to the people involved with them. It’s the second SOUP event I’ve attended and, on both occasions, I have been mesmerised by the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved. The overall winner was Mike that’s not where the story ends. SOUP events create environments where people connect and create more opportunities together.
