The Pitch Night enabled HNECC PHN to allocate nearly $1 million in funding to four key programs, each focused on mental health intervention and suicide prevention. Francesca Groves, HNECC PHN’s Suicide Prevention Regional Response Coordinator, emphasised the importance of community involvement: “We wanted to explore innovative solutions that engaged local communities.” This approach allows community members, many of whom have personal connections to these issues, to guide funding to the programs that resonate most deeply.
TFN’s Powered by TFN model alleviates logistical challenges, allowing organisations like HNECC PHN to focus on their mission without the burden of event management. Francesca shared, “The model allowed us to work with professionals in the crowd-funding space, alleviating the stress and worries of managing the logistics.” This partnership frees resources and expertise for expanding critical services into communities.
One participant, Samson, who attended Pitch Night, expressed his enthusiasm for the community-led process: “Being the ones who are able to decide where that money goes – I think this is the way it should be done.” The model empowers the local community, making funding a collaborative effort where all stakeholders have a voice.
Top Blokes: Supporting Young Men Through Mentorship
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Among the funded programs at the HNECC PHN Pitch Night was Top Blokes, an organisation dedicated to improving the mental health and resilience of young men. Top Blokes’ programming builds emotional intelligence and promotes open discussions about masculinity. With the funds from Pitch Night, Top Blokes expanded its reach, connecting with more schools and providing critical mentorship programs for at-risk youth. |
The collaboration between HNECC PHN and TFN demonstrates how community engagement can shape impactful mental health and youth support initiatives. “It’s about injecting our money back into the community, for the community,” Francesca noted, underscoring how the Powered by TFN model builds lasting, community-led change.
Through live crowdfunding, the Powered by TFN event model ensures that the people affected by these issues are directly involved in funding decisions, helping to create programs that reflect the true needs and values of the community. Through this innovative model, TFN and HNECC PHN are providing essential support and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Are you looking to reinvigorate fundraising events? Speak with Seb Bown, Events and Partnerships manager with The Funding Network, about our Powered by TFN offering today.