Hive community group launch new brand and innovative website
Previously known as the Community and District Energy Forum, the Sudbury-based group of organisations is celebrating the launch of its new look.
Last year, over 30 volunteer organisations in Sudbury, Great Cornard and the surrounding villages joined together in support of one another as they each faced increasing cuts. The group secured funding from the Transforming Suffolk Innovation Fund to cultivate plans to provide better training for volunteers, access to information, as well as initiating community and fundraising events.
Having joined forces with the Mackman Group, the award-winning marketing, research, pr and design company based on Meadow Lane in Sudbury, the community group is now re-launching itself with the new name, Hive. Anesta Newson, member of Hive, says, ‘We’re delighted to have this new, united visual for the group. It really reflects our shared belief that we can take positive action, together, to empower ourselves in this trying time.’
‘The Hive members have come together to offer mutual support,’ explains Paul Mackman, business development director at Mackman. ‘As one, they can now provide training, raise awareness, develop volunteering opportunities and share their expertise, ideas and resources.’
A brand new, technologically advanced website has been donated by Mackman to Hive to enable the group to sustain voluntary and community services which support vulnerable people in the area. ‘We wanted to create a website that would improve communication between our organisations, and we’re delighted with it,’ explains Robert Benton, Hive member. ‘We can post news, share events, look up organisations and their services on a directory, find resources we need, and catch up about our shared experiences on our own private online forum.’
Hive is hosting its first event on Thursday 5th July in celebration of Sudbury, Great Cornard and surrounding village’s volunteers. ‘The day is called Celebrating You,’ says Anesta, ‘and it’s all about celebrating and supporting all of our volunteers. We’ll be having talks about volunteering, what training requirements there might be, members sharing their experiences – as well as a buffet lunch. It’s going to be a great day and we’re hoping all Sudbury’s volunteers can come along.’
Hive is also an organisation for the people of Sudbury. Hive can help anyone who needs more information about the provision of a particular service for a vulnerable person. ‘We understand, that sometimes people caring for a potentially vulnerable person, might not know where to turn for help. Well, they can now turn to Hive,’ says Town Clerk, Sue Brotherwood.
The future of the third sector isn’t a smooth and simple one. The members face ongoing cuts to funding, but are dedicated to taking positive action, together, for the good of the whole community.