Great Community Networking At Grassroots Marketplace

Published on: 10 Jul, 2016
Updated on: 29 Jul, 2016

By Drew Lernihan

A networking event for groups and organisations working in Guildford’s community sector was once again extremely well attended and buzzing.

Paula Huckle and Chris McSween from Guildford YMCA. Pictures by David Beamish.

Grassroots is hosted three times a year by Guildford Borough Council’s community wardens who work in the Westborough, Bellfields and Stoughton wards.

The gathering on Thursday, June 30, was its annual marketplace event at which more than 25 organisations had stands to promote their work and talk to others.

Community warden Tracy James said “This is what Grassroots is all about. It’s been running for eight years and partners come together to connect and effectively offer more of their services for more people in the community we are serving.”

Viviene Sale from RASASC, the Guildford based rape and sexual abuse support centre.

Among the 25-plus groups who attended were Guildford YMCA, Voluntary Action South West Surrey, Surrey Library Services, Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre, the Boileroom arts and entertainment venue, Christians Against Poverty, Positivity in Progress, and Surrey County Council Youth Services.

Tracy James pointed out how varied the networking can be and noted how the youth theatre group was in discussion with a walking basketball group from Surrey Scorchers Foundation.

Surrey Save Credit Union, a non-for-profit ethical community banks, was represented by Sarah Davidson. It helps people with small-time loans.

Sarah said: “I’m here today so I can promote Surrey Save, so that I can help more and more people in the community.”

Maria Hewson from Action for Carers.

The event was rounded off with a buffet lunch, in which more talking and networking took place.

Bridget Haywood and Paddy Flavin from the walking basketball project of the Surrey Scorchers Foundation.

For more details of these events contact members of the north Guildford community warden team: Garry Jones: 07770 887935. Andy Coumbe: 07901 513650. Tracy James: 07767 475822.

Or send an email to: NGWardens@guildford.gov.uk