We have raised an incredible £43,075 so far from the generous donations of the individuals and businesses invited to our fundraising event on May 2nd!
Earlier this month we held an event for individuals and local businesses to hear about our vision for Next Steps, a transformational, vibrant recovery community centre for both people in recovery from substance misuse and the wider community.
When fully complete, Next Steps will include a café, open to the public, a skills and employability workshop, an exercise studio, one-to-one therapy rooms, an IT suite, an art studio, and areas for group support. The centre will support hundreds of people per year, including people in recovery, veterans, and children affected by a parent or carer’s substance misuse.
Despite receiving initial funding from Public Health Norwich City Council we still need to raise £250,000 in further funds to complete the centre. The aim of the fundraising event was to give potential investors the opportunity to see the building, hear the stories of the difference Next Steps will make (and is already making) for people in recovery, and to help fund an area of the building or a piece of equipment.
The evening saw such a great turnout, including special guests, the Sheriff of Norwich, the new High Sheriff Lady Agnew, Lady Philippa Dannett and our founder Peter Farley.
The highlight for us was being able to give one of interns, Kay Arnold, the platform to share her story of recovery. After completing the recovery support program last year she is now an integral team member in Next Steps, helping other to reach their potential.
We are truly humbled by the generosity that was shown to support such a crucial resource for people in recovery, and are delighted to have received over £62,000 in donations so far! here is some of the positive feedback that we received:
Quotes from the night
"We were so impressed last night, with your building and all the work you’ve done in it so far, but particularly with the young people we met who told us their stories and were so charming to us. We would like it if our donation went to Lorie’s woodworking area. You’re all doing a marvelous job"
"It was all things - from warm and welcoming to emotional and thought provoking. I was pleased to be part of it and learn more about the vital work conducted by The Matthew Project"
I can’t begin to tell you all how absolutely spot on and hugely successful the event was. I feel so privileged to be part of such a vibrant, essential and desperately needed organisation. Norfolk will benefit beyond measure. Kay was a complete star.
We still need your help!
Here is a link to our Total Giving page https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/Next-steps-recovery-centre. We hope that you can help us to get closer to raising the money that is so needed for the centre to reach its potential.