With the New Year comes new opportunities to get out there and network, to find a supportive group of likeminded individuals and to take a break from working at home alone. Not only that, networking is a great way to build great connections, challenge your conceptions and learn something new.
All of this took place at Castle Donington’s new networking group ‘Lets Network’ organised as a joint venture by Harrier, East Midlands Health & Safety Specialist and Jake Burkey, Mortgage & Protection advisor. This formation grew from the lack of local networking groups for the area and the realisation of the different opportunities the group may bring to each other.
The first meeting was held on Friday 11th January at 9.30am-12.30pm at the recently opened Community Hub in Castle Donington. This ideal venue choice is built to serve the community, close to the A50 and M1, with free parking facilities and comfortable meeting rooms.
The meeting started with an informal chance to network with others over tea, coffee and biscuits. A chance to build relationships, listen to others and lend an encouraging voice. The event was well attended by a wide variety of organisations across the area, including marketing, PR, coaching, office supplies, health and fitness & wellbeing.
As guest speaker Tracey Hartshorn Development Coach from Tracey Hartshorn and Associates, took to the floor, she delivered an engaging and eye-opening presentation on ‘Why Mental Health Awareness is Important’. At the end of the presentation everyone took something away with from the alarming statistics that 1 in 4 of us will suffer with a mental health problem. Tracey also explained the stigma that surrounds mental health and shared some simple suggestions to help others struggling with mental health, such as learning to listen better and being more thoughtful to those around you.
The meeting finished with discussions on the guest topic and further networking over refreshments. The cost to attend is just a £5 donation which goes to the Joseph Cooper Trust, a charity that helps provide small wishes to children with life limiting illnesses.
With the next networking date confirmed as Friday 15th February 9.30am – 12.30pm. If you’d like to join this refreshing and relaxed networking group, please email admin@harrieruk.com.