Introduction: A Year of Sustainable Elevation
2024 was a transformative year for SVH Inc. CIC. Guided by our theme of ‘Sustainable Elevations,’ we built on our mission to foster Strong, Vibrant, Happy, and Incorporated communities. By strengthening relationships, gaining remarkable recognitions, and delivering impact through collaboration, we laid a foundation for sustainable growth.
Key Highlights and Achievements:
We began the year with our second “Time to Talk” event on 1 February. This collaborative effort with Co-op, Artizan International, Just B Bereavement Support For Children & Young People, and Howden Insurance was held at Howden Insurance in Harrogate. Together, we created space for honest conversations about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Mentorship and Professional Development:
As part of our commitment to professional growth, our Founder participated in:
The Community First Yorkshire VCSE Mentorship Programme, contributing as both a mentor and mentee to foster knowledge exchange.
The Small Business Britain Small & Mighty Programme, which culminated in a celebration at the House of Lords, recognising the role of small enterprises in driving positive change.
The BT Sustainability for Small Business Programme, earning certification that highlights our commitment to sustainability.
Extensive Mental Health First Aid Training:
This year, we delivered 40 training sessions, reaching 190 individuals and equipping them with essential mental health skills. We also expanded our training portfolio to include:
• Mental Health Skills for Managers, empowering leaders to support employee wellbeing effectively.
• Mental Health First Aid Refresher Courses, ensuring previous participants stay confident in their skills.
These additions allowed us to support diverse audiences with tailored mental health training solutions.
Diverse Speaking Engagements:
SVH Inc. CIC was invited to share its expertise through 10 speaking engagements this year. These included:
Headlining the inaugural Yorkshire Society Women in Business Conference, showcasing our leadership in workplace wellbeing.
Speaking at the Community First Yorkshire Leadership Conference, where we contributed insights on leadership and inclusion.
Delivering a masterclass for entrepreneurship students at the University of Bradford, offering practical tools for present and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Expanded Social Impact:
Our work extended beyond formal engagements, with our Founder representing SVH Inc. CIC in several impactful roles:
As part of the NatWest Entrepreneur Forum, she contributed to shaping inclusive policies that support minority entrepreneurs.
She and Stephen Hynes were honoured to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, celebrating her contributions to community and workplace wellbeing.
Appointed as a delegate for the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW68), she further amplified our organisation’s mission to promote inclusion.
Partnered with Enterprise Works at the University of York to contribute to initiatives on inclusive employment, entreprenurship and social enterprise. (Read this piece they did on her)
Served as a judge for the UK Company Culture Awards, evaluating organisations prioritising employee wellbeing.
Joined West Yorkshire Combined Authority Black Business Network set up to strategise on increasing reach into the black business community in West Yorkshire, ensuring data-driven decision-making in support provision
Leadership Workshops on Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Growth
This year, we worked closely with organisations like NatWest and Bruntwood SciTech, delivering workshops designed to foster leadership skills and inclusive workplace cultures.
Community Collaborations
We partnered with 15 local organisations, including Community First Yorkshire, Artizan International, Bilton Dragon Bowling Club, Just B Bereavement Support, and Time Together, to deliver community-focused initiatives.
Additionally, we expanded our network to include:
Eagle BizNet
Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA)
Hälsa Wellbeing
Enterprise Works at the University of York
Great Big Green Week Event
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we hosted a community wellbeing event during Great Big Green Week. This included litter picking, green bowling, and a conversation café on sustainable living, organised in collaboration with Co-op and Bilton Dragon Bowling Club. See Highlight here
Co-op Local Community Cause Project:
A heartfelt thank you to our supporters! Through Co-op membership contributions, we raised £5,809.23 to fund conversation cafés in schools. These cafés have already been implemented in schools such as Roundhay School and St Matthew’s C of E, offering students safe spaces to discuss mental health and wellbeing.
Recognition and Accreditations:
2024 was a year of recognition for SVH Inc. CIC and its work:
Achieved Social Enterprise UK Verification and joined the Good Market network.
Named as one of the NatWest SE100 Top 100 UK Social Enterprises.
Awarded the Community Impact (Small Business) Award at the Raising the Bar Awards by the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. (See video)
Included on the WISE100 Top 100 List of influential women in social enterprise.
Nominated in the NPH Ethnic Minority Powerlist for Woman in Business and Community Change Maker.
Gained local media coverage for our Black History Month Event – Potted Conversations, featured in YorHarrogate and the Harrogate Advertiser.
Employee Wellbeing Support Programme:
In October, we launched themed wellbeing days aligned with key awareness campaigns. These events have been positively received and will form part of our continued efforts to prioritise employee wellbeing.
Environmental Contributions:
Planted 253 trees and avoided 7.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions, marking an increase of 103 trees and 4 tonnes of CO2 removed compared to 2023.
Restored 4m² of habitat, furthering our sustainability commitments.
Conclusion: A Year of Impactful Growth:
2024 has been a year of Sustainable Elevation, as we worked together to strengthen communities, empower individuals, and promote workplace wellbeing. Our achievements reflect the collective efforts of the entire SVH Inc. CIC team, its partners, and supporters.
We look forward to continuing this journey in 2025, building a legacy of impact and growth.
SVH Inc. CIC
Creating Strong, Vibrant, Happy, and Incorporated communities.
Watch our 2024 highlights here.
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