ONERICHMOND CHARITY LAUNCHES DRAGON’S DEN-TYPE EVENT TO SUPPORT LOCAL CAUSES
Jim Rosenthal will be turning his extensive sports broadcasting and TV presenting experience to a new kind of stage this June, helping the new charity OneRichmond to celebrate the work of six incredible local charities in a Dragon’s Den type event.
During his extensive career in sports journalism Jim Rosenthal became one of the best known presenters on British television. With a background in newspapers and BBC radio he became a familiar guest in the living rooms of millions of sports fans in Britain as he brought them highlights from Formula
One motor racing, boxing, football, athletics and rugby. More recently he has had to learn about dog agility and flyball – two sports he has mastered for the television coverage of the Crufts dog show.
He has won many industry awards, most recently collecting the Sports Journalist Association award for a lifetime of achievement over a career spanning more than 55 years.
The Dragons’ Den-inspired event is the perfect opportunity to get engaged with your local community in a fun, entertaining new format.
You’ll have the opportunity to speak to the charities in our networking area and find out more about how you can support their work through volunteering, donations, or pro-bono support; you’ll also get a chance to hear about the wide range of incredible services being offered in our borough for people with all kinds of needs.
Tickets are only £5, and will sell quickly, so make sure to get yours today! The event will take place at The Exchange, Twickenham, on Tuesday 9th June. Doors will open at 6pm.
The six charities pitching on 9th June were selected by the OneRichmond Grants Committee after a comprehensive application process. The successful charities were chosen for their impact within our borough, and their dedication to combatting social isolation.
Read more about each charity below:
MTV Youth Hampton
For 15 years, MTV Youth Hampton have provided a safe community space aimed at improving the wellbeing and lives of young people. Their fun and engaging programme of activities equips and empowers local young people as they prepare to enter into adulthood, giving them the opportunity to develop essential life skills and receive adult and peer-to-peer support from positive role models.
Richmond Mencap
Started in 1959, Richmond Mencap supports people with learning disabilities as well as their families and carers by providing activities, guidance and community programmes in the borough. They create regular structured opportunities for people with learning disabilities to connect, build relationships, and participate in their community, helping to reduce isolation and build confidence. With high demand and limited resources, they deliver inclusive, low-cost support, working collaboratively to address local gaps and ensure equal opportunities for all. They are an entirely independent local charity, separate from the national Mencap organisation.
The Mulberry Centre
The Mulberry Centre is an independent cancer support charity that first opened its doors in 2001, offering a range of individualised and completely free services. Located on the grounds of West Middlesex University Hospital, one of the few hospitals that Richmond borough residents access, they support residents in the borough and across West London. The Mulberry Centre improves the lives of anyone affected by cancer – patients, carers and the bereaved – by enhancing their emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing.
Otakar Kraus Music Trust
Established in 2012, OKMT supports people of all ages with a range of disabilities and/or long-term health conditions by providing music therapy and lessons. Their work creates spaces for connection and self-expression, and improves the wellbeing and quality of life of people with a varied range of complex needs. Inclusivity, accessibility and collaboration are at the heart of what they do.
Richmond Borough Mind
A local mental health charity dedicated to the Richmond borough, Richmond Borough Mind supports over 4,600 people each year across the borough. They have over 65 years of experience providing crisis cafés, counselling, peer support and recovery programmes; their accessible community-based services help residents experiencing mental ill health and their carers to access timely support, build resilience and improve wellbeing. They are an entirely independent Richmond charity, separate from the national Mind organisation.
Brighter Together
Founded in 2019, Brighter Together connects older adults in Teddington and Twickenham care homes and community centres with local pre-schools for regular intergenerational sessions. Through weekly activities, they improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and support children’s development. The charity’s approach is to provide honest, joyful, and transformative moments that create a deep impact on the lives of those involved. Their programme sparks joy and creates a sense of belonging that strengthens our communities.
The four Dragons will be looking to support charities that are making a positive impact and reducing social isolation in our borough.
They are:
Chanade Ramsay, Regional Social Value Lead for Kier, who are sponsoring the event. Kier are currently working on the Twickenham Riverside Redevelopment project, and are committed to ensuring they are making a positive impact on the communities in which they operate. Chanade has been a dedicated member of our Development Board since its creation, and is looking forward to being able to support some of our well-deserving charities on 9th June.
Will le Fleming is Founding Master of Thomas’s College, a new independent school on Richmond Hill. The school is deeply committed to the Richmond community, and philanthropy is a crucial part of everything they do. Though a newcomer to the borough, Thomas’s College have already begun to make an impact in our community, and they will be looking to support charities that create opportunity for all Richmond residents to thrive.
Sylvia Parsonage is the founder and Principal of Parsonage & Co Solicitors. A long-term resident of Richmond borough and member of OneRichmond’s Development Board, Sylvia is dedicated to supporting the local community, whether it’s through creating work placements, fundraising, or providing pro-bono services. Parsonage & Co have been working hard to fundraise in support of local charities, and Sylvia will be looking to put this fundraising pot to good use at the Dragons’ Den-inspired event.
Lord John Lee of Trafford is a local philanthropist, journalist, and author, perhaps best known for being the UK’s first ‘ISA millionaire’. An active member of the Richmond community, he is always looking for ways to support local community groups and individuals who are in need.