Rachel Nott from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Mind has spoken of the staggering response she received from attendees after sponsoring an Ashby Connect event.

She talked about how charity Mind LLR supports the communities mental health and wellbeing, and how businesses can support the charity.

Since the event, held at The Beeches Restaurant in Ashby last January and backed by Fishers Solicitors, Rachel has been found support for the new charity with multiple projects. 

Rachel said: "I have attended a number of business networking groups over the last 10 years some are very formal and others very informal. 

"Ashby Connect has created the perfect balance between the two. 

"The location and time of the event makes it really accessible and because of this, it attracts a wide range of organisations. It's also free, which is a huge bonus to those of us who don't have a budget for that all important networking.

"Ashby Connect boasts a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, this made it a very comfortable environment for me to host a presentation about our charity and what we do to them.

"Whilst I'm not one to shy away from presenting to crowds, it certainly helps to see lots of smiling faces who show genuine interest in what you have to talk about and that's exactly what you get from Ashby Connect."

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Rachel says the contacts she made at the event have helped set up a drop-in cafe just a few miles from Ashby.

She added: "Following my presentation at the event, we've had a phenomenal amount of support from the other attendees. 

"Because of the support from attendees at Ashby Connect we have just launched a drop-in café in Coalville aimed at providing practical work skills and mental health support to local residents who are seeking employment. 

"We are currently in talks with a local videography organisation who are helping us to develop some new and exciting workplace wellbeing e-learning modules to deliver to individuals and organisations. 

"We are also looking at developing online information sessions with a local property manager aimed at supporting those who are at risk of homelessness with practical financial advice and mental health and wellbeing support. 

"In addition to developing new services we have also made so many fantastic connections with other local organisations. None of this would have happened without Ashby Connect.

"Every organisation knows how powerful networking is but knowing which meetings to attend and setting a realistic budget for it can be a headache in itself. 

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"If you want value for money, the opportunity to make good, long-lasting connections and develop promising business opportunities, look no further than Ashby Connect, their events have been invaluable to us and I would recommend them 100 per cent."