SSE Cornwall launch crowdfunding campaign to help Parents Rock
11 Apr 2016
School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) Cornwall are launching a crowdfunding campaign this week (4th April), to raise funds for a new programme that will help parents start social or environmentally focused businesses that benefit local communities.
Planned to start later this year, the new ‘Parents Rock’ programme will support parents of school-aged children across the county develop local solutions to local challenges, providing them with the knowledge and skills to become effective social entrepreneurs.
Sally Heard, CEO of SSE Cornwall, said: “We live in a changing world, and are all aware of recent cuts to local services, many of which have severely impacted families and communities across Cornwall. At SSE Cornwall, we know that individuals really can make a difference. We think parents make great social entrepreneurs as they often have the same drive, determination and tenacity and they’re typically well connected within their local communities, through their children’s schools, clubs and activities. They also have brilliant ideas for improving things, but just need support to make change happen.”
Comprised of a series of workshops designed to build confidence, develop self-esteem and help parents identify exactly what their communities need, SSE Cornwall hopes to raise £15,000 through crowdfunding, which will enable them to run three 12-week Parents Rock programmes over the next 12 months and beyond.
Sally said: “Raising this money will not only enable us to develop and run the Parents Rock programmes, but we’ll also be able to offer over 30 free places to local parents, to help them turn their ideas into sustainable social enterprises. We’ll also work with our ‘talent pool’ of experts to support them on their journey and attract match funding to help the money we raise go further.”
Individuals and businesses can pledge for a host of rewards, including unique experiences such as a day with the Lost Gardens of Heligan team, a tour of the Houses of Parliament with Steve Double MP and tea with award-winning comedian Dawn French at the Fowey House Hotel.
Other rewards include bags of Cornish Seaweed, bottles of Camel Valley Brut, Sky High Arts trapeze workshops, Lime House Studio yoga passes, dinner for two at The Mexico Inn, Long Rock and tickets and accommodation to see Jess Glynn at this year’s Eden Sessions. You can view all the rewards and pledge your support of the campaign here.
Sally commented: “The support we’ve had from public figures and local businesses has been fantastic, so we’ve been able to put together a range of rewards that will hopefully attract plenty of pledges from individuals and businesses alike. We’re hoping that with help from the people of Cornwall, we can really start making a difference and help Parents Rock!”