'Dragons' Den' for Devon charities

Charity representatives in East Devon have the chance to take part in a unique bidding process for funds in front of a panel of “dragons” next month.

The event, which will be held at the Beehive in Honiton on Wednesday 26 October, is an opportunity for groups to pitch their ideas for funding – based loosely on the format of the hit BBC programme. Submissions need to be made by 2 October.

Charities that are invited to the event will have to answer questions from the panel, demonstrating how their projects will benefit people in the area.

The event is being organised by Honiton Together, a collaborative community development programme run by a partnership consisting of East Devon District Council, Devon County Council, East Devon Volunteer Support Agency and Honiton Town Council.

The judging panel will consist of Devon County Councillor Sara Randall-Johnson, Honiton Town Councillor Ann Mountjoy and Jamie Buckley, from East Devon District Council.

Last year, eight groups received funding at the event, including Honiton Youth Club, Axe Valley Visiting Scheme, and HALFF, which stands for Health and Local Food for Families.

Devon County Councillors Paul Diviani and Sara Randall-Johnson have used some of their Council locality budget to contribute to the funding.

Councillor Sara Randall-Johnson, County Councillor for Honiton St Michael’s, said: “This event has proven to be extremely valuable for charitable organisations in the area over the past couple of years, and it’s a great way for them to raise their profile locally.”

Councillor Paul Diviani, East Devon District Council Leader and Devon County Councillor for Honiton St Paul’s, said: “I’m pleased to be supporting the event again this year. You can see the hard work that the charities put into their projects and this event is a great opportunity to hear about their work and how they will use the funds.”

Councillor Caroline Kolek, Mayor of Honiton, added: "The Town Council were keen to ensure the work put in by Honiton Together continued by not only taking part but providing funds to this very worthy initiative. The Dragons' Den event has not only financially supported many local and worthwhile charitable projects but it also given local organisations the platform on which to raise their profiles and an opportunity to learn through sharing and networking."

For further information contact AGibson@eastdevon.gov.uk