Let’s Chat - Weekly networking event for ALL

Description

Let’s Chat - Weekly networking event for ALL (It’s networking in the loosest form possible.)

Every Friday 9:30-10:30am from the 14th August
At Highfield Coffee Social

This is a FREE to attend Doncaster business networking event, it’s aimed at the following people….

- Those wanting to attend networking events but struggle to attend them due to their mental health
- Those wanting a stepping stone into networking
- Those wanting to build connections in a relaxed and casual environment before going into more structured networking events
- Those who used to network but have been out of it for a while and wanting to slowly get back into it
- Regardless of whether you currently struggle with anxiety, depression, confidence, or neurodiversity, everyone is welcomed, encouraged and supported
- It could also be for those who’ve got through a similar start to networking events or still struggle but manage to attend them, and they want to pass on support and tips to others struggling or just starting, possibly a networking and event mentor or buddy

IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THAT WOULD HELP YOU OR YOU'D BE INTERESTED IN JOINING, PLEASE READ ALL THE BELOW IMPORTANT INFO....

MENTAL HEALTH, REAL CONNECTIONS & FRIENDSHIPS FIRST…. BUSINESS SECOND

It’s for businesses of all sizes, whether it be sole traders, limited companies, charities or CICs.

It’s for people of all ages, genders, races, sexualities, religions, backgrounds etc.

It could be for someone just starting out, or it could be for someone who runs or works at an established company with a high wage.

It’s for company owners, freelancers and those in companies who have roles to attend networking events.

There is no limit on the number of people who can attend and the number of companies from the same industry that can attend.

It’s for everyone, everyone is welcomed, supported and encouraged.

 

A NEW, UNIQUE AND FRESH APPROACH TO NETWORKING

The event is run by Mental Health FC CIC (Ryan, with the support of  Tim)

We’re working with Highfield Coffee Social to put this weekly event on, and in return, if you could kindly purchase a drink and/or snack during the event, that would be appreciated.
Thank you again Shelley, Jess and Highfield Coffee Social

 

WHAT DO WE HOPE PEOPLE GET FROM THESE NETWORKING EVENTS??….

- A helping hand into casual and relaxed business networking that, in time helps build confidence so people can feel confident enough to network at other events and networking events.
- For those looking to build connections but in a more relaxed and casual environment, not only does this help and improve mental health, but it also helps people attend more and different events if they know more people there from this event.
- A networking event without pressure, without a spotlight, accessible for all.
- No feeling awkward for those with neurodivergence or ADHD, everyone is welcomed, included and supported
- No speakers, presentations or surprises, just casual and relaxed networking all the way through every time
- Everyone knows the reason behind the networking event, and people will be understanding and on hand for any support that’s needed.

 

WHY START THE EVENT??….

I was in exactly the same situation a couple of years ago, and going to events and networking events was so daunting, stressful, draining, and anxiety triggering.

You don’t want to enter the room because you know no one and no one knows how difficult it is to step through the door, not knowing anyone and with your anxiety sky high.

I wish exactly this event had been there to help me as I was starting my networking journey.

I listened and heard about others struggling, and I’m determined to help them and make the process easier and quicker for them, so they can feel more comfortable more quickly, gain more confidence, and gain more connections.

I know how powerful the business connections and friendships made can be, and how attending these events can help, it’s been massive for me and my mental health journey.

I've bought a box of fidget toys and simple conversation starter cards, the fidget toys are there if people feel like they'd feel less anxious holding or playing with them and for some it helps take their mind off their anxiety, which is what we want.

The conversation starter cards will again be dotted around the tables, it's just simple questions to break the ice and start conversations, socialising and connecting. Not only do the cards help conversation, but if someone reads or asks a question and it starts the thought process, that means they're concentrating on the questions/answer and not their anxiety which is an extra bonus.

 

WHAT’S THE AIM??….

- The aim is to see people regularly attending weekly and new people joining regularly.
- Hearing and seeing the confidence of people growing and the anxiety easing
- People are talking more about mental health and their struggles, while others offer support from past experiences
- Hearing and seeing people being able to attend more and different events and networking events in the City
- New connections and even friendships starting to develop
- The ability for sole traders, limited companies, social enterprises, CIC’s, charities and any other company to get involved, mix and collaborate and help each other
- If, on top of the above points, people work together and gain business that’s brilliant, but it isn’t the aim

 

CELEBRATE, CONGRATULATE & ENCOURAGE….

Throughout the journey of this new networking event, we’d love to document and promote some of the positive stories people have had as a result of attending the event.

Whether it be the event getting them out of the house and socialising weekly, new connections and friendships made, people being able to attend other events and networking.

Not only do we want to celebrate and congratulate these people, but we also want to promote how the event works and is successful so we can then not only reach more people, but also support more people.
 

LOCATION, DATE, TIME….

The event will be starting on Friday 14th August 9:30 - 10:30am and will be weekly on Fridays 9:30 - 10:30am, however you're more than welcome to stay for however you long to socialise and connect with people, or even grab some dinner there.

It’s held at the Highfield Coffee Social, which is not far from central Doncaster and has great access from the motorway, so it’s a fair location for most.

It also has free parking and good accessibility for all.

We've chosen Friday morning 9:30 for two reasons, firstly the time because I know through personal experience it's much better to have events as early as possible so you have less time to think about it and for the anxiety to grow.

And we've chosen Friday because when I first started networking, I was extremely drained and sometimes came down with a headache, choosing Friday will allow most people a little breathing space, as they know it's Friday and they have the weekend the next day, so feeling bad wouldn't affect work the next day.

VENUE & PARKING MAP.....

To hopefully ease anxieties and stresses even more, we've created a location map to show the location of the venue, as well as where you can park, any questions please feel free to ask, click here to see the map.

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED, JUST TURN UP….

One thing I know with my own anxiety is the stress and anxiety around signing up for events, worried on the day you won’t feel good, or that the anxiety will be too much and you’ll have to not go, even though you’ve signed up.

This way, you can see how you feel right up to the time, or even drive to the location.

Feel free to message me or Tim and we can meet you outside and walk in with you.

This may change depending on the popularity of the event, however this is the intention.
 

EXTRA SUPPORT….

If you need or would like extra support in order to attend the event, please let me or Tim know, and we’ll do our very best to support you.

If there’s someone you feel comfortable with, you’re more than welcome to stay with them the whole time, do whatever you want to make you feel comfortable.

If anyone needs more one to one or in-depth support, we’re more than happy to help you find the right local organisation to help you with this.

LEARNING & IMPROVING

This is a new network event with a new approach, it may take a few weeks to analyse the events and notice things we need to adjust, change or add.

We're looking to create an event that the majority of people feel comfortable at and that in time is effective as possible in helping then mentally and with events and networking.

We'll always be looking to learn and improve the event.

IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS OR FEEDBACK FOR THE EVENTS TO HELP YOU OR OTHERS, PLEASE LET US KNOW

 

CAN YOU HELP US??….

We’re hoping to build a small team of people / volunteers who would be attending this networking event very regularly and can help manage the event as well as be there as a supportive and welcoming person for those just starting out if Ryan or Tim couldn’t make it or to even help as well as if numbers are high.

Please let us know if this is something you’d like to help and get involved with.


PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW Let's Chat ON LINKEDIN

 

PLEASE tag anyone you think would be interested or benefit in attending

I really do hope this works in the way I hope and it can support, encourage and improve the lives of people in and around Doncaster.

#LetsChat #LetsChatNetworking #YouveGotThis