The Eden Project: Summer Social
The Eden Project’s first ever VIP ‘Summer Social’ in Manchester came off the back of a formidable 12 months where Eden’s flagship campaign The Big Lunch was an official part of both the Jubilee and Coronation engaging millions of people across the UK.
It was the perfect time for the global educational and environmental charity to say thank you to partners and nurture new connections in the region, especially as Eden Morecambe is on the northern horizon!
To make Eden Morecambe and the other destinations possible, Eden has ambitious fundraising aims and needs support of businesses and individuals to make this happen, so a Summer Social seemed the perfect way to kick start those aims.
The event, held at Allied London’s stunning ABC Roof Deck & Dome in the city centre, couldnt have been a better location for an Eden Project gathering.
Attended by 90 VIP’s from both the private and pubic sector the Summer Social was hosted by community activist and The Mayor of Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Advisor: Dr Carl Austin Behan OBE DL.
As well as updating guests about the plans for Eden MoreCambe, the Summer Social also highlighted Eden Project Communities flagship event: The Big Lunch, which sees millions of people come together for food, fun and the fostering of community connections.
Eden’s Chief Purpose Officer Peter Stewart LVO opened proceedings with impressive stats on The Big Lunch – in 2022 over 17 million people took part and two-thirds said they went on to volunteer such as litter picking and plant growing in their community.
The Big Lunch engages people and encourages collaboration to do more for local communities, so the brief for the Summer Social was to inspire guests to consider the ‘value & power of community volunteering.’
Volunteering has so many social, physical, and mental health benefits, plus it helps communities and the world we live in. GP’s prescribe volunteering, connecting patients with local groups, charities, and social care services to support their health and wellbeing, from community gardening projects to volunteering jobs.
Influential local figures from the charity and voluntary sector spoke with Carl about how they started their careers, what (and who) inspired them, and how volunteering has made such a profound difference in theirs and other people’s lives.
Lisa Harvey-Nebil is the CEO of The Proud Trust. Lisa started her career as a youth worker and previously worked for Manchester City Council. Lisa has 25+ years’ experience in the youth, play and community sector.
Adam Farricker is the CEO of HideOut Youth Zone and was the former Head of Youth Strategy and Engagement at Manchester City Council.
Akeim Mundell BEM is Assistant Principal at William Hulme's Grammar School, he is one of the UK's youngest Assistant Headteachers. He started in community work at just 13 years old and in his late teens he created and managed under 18s events to help inspire young people and keep them off the streets working in collaboration with GMP.
19-year-old climate activist Emma Greenwood concluded the panel section of the event with a rousing speech about climate change and the pivotal moment she became interested in the environment and nature. She spoke earnestly about the importance of having support for young people and how people and businesses can improve our planet.
Guests then networked and enjoyed drinks and delicious nibbles with Eden’s team, with tunes by Inspiral Carpets band member Clint Boon.
Eden Project’s Head of Partnerships Gemma Snow said: “Over the past 5 years I've worked with Laura on several purpose-driven projects including fundraising events, campaigns and PR moments, where her involvement has directly increased awareness of the cause via press opportunities, supported fundraising targets and made valuable new connections.
“We have worked together on wide ranging high profile projects, from music events to community development and sustainability - and she always has a brilliant eye of what will help elevate a project.
“Laura was my first port of call to support the Eden Project holding its first regional networking event in preparation for our UK-wide community development plans and the new Eden’s in development including the upcoming Eden Project Morecambe. She is a pleasure to work with and we look forward to working with her again.”
For bespoke event campaign consultancy for projects with real passion & purpose, please get in touch: Laura@LGPublicity.com
