MP launches scheme to help Watford charities (From Watford Observer)

Watford MP Richard Harrington launches Watford Community Exchange scheme

12:30pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in News By Adam Binnie, Senior Reporter

A scheme aimed at introducing charities in Watford to businesses has received praise from the Prime Minister.

The Watford Community Exchange was set by the town’s MP Richard Harrington, to link charities and other organisations with the business help they needed.

At an event on Friday, sixty different charity and community groups including Watford Mencap, the Peace Hospice, DRUM, HomeStart, and West Herts Parkinson's attended workshops and a networking session with businesses in the town.

The day started with a speech from Nick Hurd MP, charities minister, who suggested the scheme could be replicated across the country.

In the afternoon local businesses including Asda, GKF Business School, Barratt Homes and Freedom Communications talked about the help they could give to charities.

Prime Minister David Cameron said he thought the scheme was "excellent" and "paid tribute to all who are joining him".

Mr Harrington said: "I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister giving his backing to this initiative, which I believe will make a big difference in Watford and provide long lasting links between different parts of the local community.

"I had mentioned the scheme previously to the Prime Minister and I will be sure to keep him and other MPs updated about how effective such community projects can be.

"Local charities and community groups do so much to support our town, and I set up Watford Community Exchange to ensure that we are supporting them.

"I was pleased to see so many positive outcomes with local businesses coming forward to give support and advice in areas ranging from marketing to funding."