Age UK Suffolk has announced that Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring The Big Chinwag on 21st June – the first ever Suffolk Day - as a way of encouraging the county’s businesses to show what they do for the community and to raise money for the charity.
The Big Chinwag encourages groups to host get-togethers to raise awareness of and funds to alleviate loneliness amongst those over 65. According to recent research one in every ten people in that age bracket say that they are often or always lonely.
Explaining the reasons for Suffolk Chamber’s support for The Big Chinwag, its president, Sarah Howard MBE, reflected “most of our members – and indeed businesses as a whole in Suffolk – play an important role in the communities in which they are located. As well as providing jobs, they frequently support local charities, events and fundraising. They and their staff are usually at the very heart of their communities.”
Suffolk Chamber is backing Suffolk Day, the brainchild of BBC Radio Suffolk’s breakfast reporter Mark Murphy, as a great way to showcase the county’s business dynamism and diversity to both national and international audiences and felt that sponsoring The Big Chinwag would help raise the profile of both initiatives.
Sarah continued “we want to encourage businesses to make The Big Chinwag on Suffolk Day as fun and open as possible. How about putting aside a half an hour or so and inviting older members of your community in for a cuppa and a chat? Or how about hosting a cake sale – over a brew – for your staff? We’re told it’s good to talk – especially if we can raise more money for Suffolk Age UK!”
Suffolk Chamber is encouraging businesses to take a photo of their Chinwag and share it with them on Twitter @SuffolkChamber and with Suffolk Age UK @AgeUKSuffolk, as well as using the hashtag #SuffolkDay.
Jo Reeder, Fundraising Manager for Suffolk Age UK said “We are delighted to be partnering with the Suffolk Chamber for our annual Big Chinwag and the first ever Suffolk Day.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for local businesses to get involved and pledge their commitment to their community, both in supporting a local charity, and taking part in a day to celebrate our great county. More than ever, we need to engage with businesses and communities to raise awareness of the issues that can affect some of the most vulnerable people, and every penny that is raised through the Big Chinwag this year, will be spent on vital services and support for older people in Suffolk”.
Published 18th May 2017
Published 18th May 2017
