This case study looks at how charities can thrive by joining a Chamber of Commerce and unlocking new opportunities and support. Let’s look at Youth Talk’s experience of being a member. Youth Talk is a local charity providing free and confidential counselling to young people aged 13-25 in St Albans and the surrounding areas. They joined the Chamber in 2019 with the help of their first Corporate Partners, Debenhams Ottaway and Susan Glenholme, with the goal of increasing their profile and donations.
The Chamber provides a platform for charities to connect with local businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. Building relationships with potential supporters and donors is key. Youth Talk were introduced to Men of Fields, the Garden Fields Cricket Team, at our Community Business Awards 2022. Men of Fields won the Community Impact Award for their fundraising efforts which include an epic walk they undertake every few years in aid of local good causes. Through this meeting and understanding the valuable work Youth Talk do, Men of Fields chose them as their charity for their 2024 walk in Norfolk and raised over £40,000.
Fellow members who are interested in supporting their cause can do so in a variety of ways, as long-term multi-year partners, nominated Charity of the Year, delivering fundraising events or by sharing resources, donating services in kind or volunteering. In one form or another all the following, current members, have been amazing: Amber Mountain Marketing, Gilberts, Lumin Wealth, Wagada Digital, Buff and Bare, Sherrards, Rayner Essex, Midnight Blue Marketing, Abbots Care, Taylor Walton, Visionary Accountants, Howden Insurance, KDW, Riverside Insurance Services, Techne Solutions, Rayden Solicitors, The Maltings, Redway HR and NFU Mutual.
The Chamber’s charity raffles and auctions raised over £13,200 in 2024. By supporting member charities at our events, we help raise awareness of their valuable causes whilst generating valuable funds for them. Youth Talk were the chosen charity at our recent International Women’s Day event where we raised over £1,200.
Youth Talk are currently looking for people to walk or run the St Albans Half Marathon on their behalf. They have funded places, and they’re just asking you raise at least £300 in sponsorship if you take one of these places. They’ll provide you with a Youth Talk t-shirt, support you with setting up your fundraising page, and be there to cheer you on during the event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for team building and being part of your business’s ESG strategy. (https://youthtalk.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/the-st-albans-half-marathon/)
You can find out more about Youth Talk at youthtalk.org.uk.
