What We've Been Up To
VCSE Leadership Conference
Valentina Hynes has been revealed as one of the keynote speakers and panelists at the upcoming VCSE Leadership Conference by Community First Yorkshire.
A key theme for the conference is generosity - not just as an act of giving but as a cornerstone of growth, community empowerment, and organisational culture. Valentina will be drawing from her experiences and through the lens of a Nigerian African immigrant in North Yorkshire, to share how generosity has been a key driver for her both professionally and personally.
The conference is on 22 May, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Pavilions of Harrogate, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
WISE100 Top 100 2024 List
We're excited to announce that our Founder / CEO has been honoured with a spot in the WISE100 Top 100 2024 List - a prestigious compilation of the leading women in social enterprise and impact investing across the UK.
Now in its seventh year, the WISE100 List, curated annually by Pioneers Post in collaboration with Natwest Social & Community Capital, assembles the UK’s 100 most influential women in social enterprise, impact investment, and mission-driven business.
Congratulations to Valentina and all the other inspirational women who made the list.!
UK Company Culture Awards Judge
Thrilled to share that our founder, Valentina Hynes was appointed as a judge for the UK Company Culture Awards by Don't Panic Events.
She joined a panel of esteemed judges dedicated to recognising and celebrating outstanding organisational cultures across the UK.
In our very busy world of “9-5 routines”, the essence of company culture cannot be overstated. The UK Company Culture Awards spotlight those exemplary organisations that not only nurture their teams but also reward their staff, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels truly valued.
Time To Talk Day Event
On 1 Feb., we had a Time To Talk Day event collaborating with Artizan International, Just B Bereavement Support for Young People by St Michaels Hospice at Howden Insurance, Harrogate. It was wonderful to have Open Country and Renew HG join us on the day. We delved into:
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🧘🏾♀️ Mindful meditation techniques, offering solace from anxiety.
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😥 Understanding grief from the perspective of young people.
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🪴 The therapeutic act of planting, nurturing our souls and the environment.
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💬 Building bridges through conversation to foster wellbeing.
Our takeaway? Even amidst life's challenges, 'puddle jumping' —finding brief moments of joy is not only natural but a crucial part of our healing journey. Talking, sharing, and connecting are vital bridges to understanding and wellness. Sometimes healing, joy, or a sense of good wellbeing isn't immediate. All things need Time, Care and Attention, like planting. We demonstrated this with a herb planting workshop.
UN CSW68 Delegate
Our Founder/CEO; Valentina Hynes, has been appointed as a delegate for the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW68). This prestigious role is a testament to Valentina’s unwavering commitment to enhancing wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion in workplaces across communities.
Valentina’s role as a UN CSW68 delegate will involve contributing to critical discussions, advocating for policies that support gender equality and wellbeing, and sharing insights from her extensive experience in creating inclusive and supportive environments. Her participation underscores the international recognition of her efforts and the vital importance of integrating wellbeing and diversity into the global agenda for gender equality.
This appointment is not only a personal achievement for Valentina but also a significant milestone for SVH Inc. CIC. It highlights the organisation’s role as a frontrunner in advocating for workplace wellbeing and underscores the impact of collaborative efforts to create inclusive, equitable communities.
Congratulations, Valentina.
Social Enterprise Yorkshire Humber Award
An exciting start to the year 2024 for us. We were very delighted and humbled to learn that that we are one of the 3 Finalists in the Social Enterprise Yorkshire Humber Awards StartUp category.
Kate Granger Award Nomination For Outstanding Contribution
We're delighted to announce that our CEO and Founder, Valentina Hynes, has been nominated for the Yorkshire Choice Awards' Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution. Valentina's relentless dedication to improving the Yorkshire community through SVH Inc. CIC and other social enterprises is truly inspiring.
Her journey, marked by resilience and commitment to societal welfare, has rightfully earned her this prestigious nomination. We wholeheartedly believe Valentina deserves this recognition for her impactful work. Show your support for Valentina and the difference she's making in our community by casting your vote for her. Let's celebrate her exceptional contribution together!
Kate Granger Award Nomination For Outstanding Contribution
More exciting news from us . . . Our CEO and Founder, Valentina Hynes, has also been nominated for the Inspirational Individual category at the Yorkshire Choice Awards.
This nomination celebrates Valentina's remarkable journey of resilience and her profound impact on the Yorkshire community. Her dedication to societal welfare and empowering others is truly inspiring. Valentina's journey is not just a story of entrepreneurial success but also of personal commitment to uplifting those around her. We invite you to join us in supporting Valentina by voting for her, as we acknowledge her incredible contributions to our community.
Reflecting on 2023: Our Impact Report
SVH Inc. CIC celebrated a year of significant milestones and growth. Dive into our ‘2023 Impact Journey’ blog post to see how we’ve made a difference together.
2023's Highlights:
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Our Social Inclusion project exceeded expectations, showcasing community power.
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170 new Mental Health First Aiders now champion wellbeing in our communities.
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Environmental efforts flourished with 150 trees planted.
Writing For Wellbeing by Valentina Hynes
Valentina Hynes recently wrote a couple of articles for HR Zone, Epic HR's #AdventBlogs and our very own SVH Inc. blog.
HRZone - Seven ways to protect mental health and morale during the festive season
EpicHR #AdventBlogs - A Journey Without End
SVH Inc. Blog - One-Word Goals: Enhancing Employee Wellbeing And Organisational Productivity
Grab a brew and delve into these thought-provoking articles. Valentina explores effective strategies to safeguard your employees’ mental health during the festive season and beyond, delving into critical aspects like goal setting and the innovative concept of One-Word Goals.
In her piece for the #AdventBlogs, Valentina adopts a more personal tone, reflecting on the continuous process of Growing Up and inviting readers to ponder their own paths of personal and professional growth.
Inspiring, Connecting & Learning
Valentina Hynes recently spoke at Huddersfield Giants Women In Business event.
She spoke alongside two other awesome speakers - Asthma Iqbal who spoke on Equality, diversity and cultural representation and Kate Kier Miller who spoke on neurodiversity with a focus on dyslexia.
Valentina spoke on 'Becoming a Giant' while being your authentic self using the GROW model.
It was a wonderful few hours of connections, inspiration and learning.
Find out more on Huddersfield Giants page here:
Making Connections #GreatBigGreenWeek
We recently made our local paper - Harrogate Advertiser. Read what they had to say about our #GreatBigGreenWeek event 👉🏾 here.
Our MP - Andrew Jones joined us on the day and these where his words:
“What a great initiative. I was very grateful to be asked to join the team. We got lots of litter picked up. There was a real community spirit and it was a lovely and productive way to spend a little while amid glorious sunshine helping keep our area clean.” Andrew Jones MP
Thanks to Co-op, Body Shop Harrogate and Brew Bar Harrogate for sponsoring the prizes won by the children who entered our 'Letter to the Future' competition. We received some amazing entries of drawings and mixed media on what community and sustainability means to them, and a recap of the event.
A big shout out to our collaborating partners - Bilton Dragon Bowling Club and Dancing For Wellbeing.
Check out how the event went by watching this video reel - here
Business Woman of The Year, 2023
There has been a lot of celebration here at SVH Inc. since the announcement of our Founder and CEO's winning of Yorkshire Choice Awards Business Woman of The Year, 2023 nomination.
Valentina is an author and award winning serial entrepreneur who has launched several successful businesses, starting in Nigeria to Côte d’Ivoire and now in the UK where she has launched two businesses, including SVH Inc. which she successfully morphed into a Community Interest Company in December 2021.
She was appointed an Associate Fellow of The Royal Commonwealth Society UK in 2014 for her philanthropy and drive for wellbeing, happiness and inclusion.
She is also vice-chair of Governors at Harrogate High School.
Read all about the prestigious evening here on YCA's website.
Congratualtions, Valentina.
Calling All Superheroes!
We're over the moon to announce that we've once again been chosen as one of the Co-op's Local Community Causes for the 2024 funding round! Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who supported us in the previous round.
By selecting us as your Local Community Cause, we achieved an incredible milestone, raising a total of £5,139.23 (as reported on the Co-op dashboard). This funding is a vital lifeline, allowing us to continue our mission of nurturing Strong, Vibrant, Happy, and Incorporated communities.
We would be delivering Wellbeing Conversation Workshops to schools, doctors' surgeries, care homes and hospitals, to boost connection, wellbeing and mental health through conversations, with our Explore by SVH cards.
To support us, you need to be a Co-op Member. If you're not, please sign up (it costs £1 only and you gain £3 off when you spend £10 on your first shop. Remember to scan your membership card)
When you choose SVH Inc. CIC as your cause, we get 1p out of every £1 you spend, and you get 2p put on your membership card!
Would you once again be our Superhero?
