TV Dragon Backs Health Competition
21st January 2008, 4:47 pm
James Caan, entrepreneur and ‘dragon’ on BBC 2’s Dragons’ Den,
is backing a new competition for health groups supporting their local community. The Dragons’ Den style scheme, PITCH YOUR PROJECT, is looking for organisations that benefit the health, wellbeing and fitness of their community with the support of volunteers. Whether it’s running a sports club, befriending scheme, or patient support group, if the project has an unusual idea for making a difference with volunteers, they could win £1000 cash when they pitch their project to a panel of experts.
James Caan, who listens to innovative ideas on the BBC show, said:
“We have so many people on Dragons’ Den who pitch a variety of business ideas, so this project
is an interesting opportunity to learn about ideas for improving people’s health and wellbeing. My advice to organisations pitching
is to prepare by putting yourself in the shoes of the Dragons and thinking about the sort of questions they might ask. Nothing can compare to the challenge of pitching your idea to a panel of experts in front of a camera. It really sorts the wheat from the chaff.”
Five shortlisted projects will be given £500 to develop a pitch as well as receiving face to face advice from a panel of experts under the watchful eye of the camera.
Project Manager Jane Dawson says:
“This project
is all about discovering new ways of making the most of volunteers’ time in the delivery of health and wellbeing services. The panellists are looking for innovative, effective ideas. The charities and community groups will have support from the Dragons and a fantastic opportunity to develop and grow.”
PITCH YOUR PROJECT
is run by national volunteering charity, TimeBank, in partnership with the NHS Foundation Trust Network. The projects may be either inside or outside of the health system and can be based in the community or within an institution. The competition
is initially running in Northumbria and
Sheffield Healthcare Trust regions.
To find out more or apply please go to www.journeystohealth.org or you can ring Jane Dawson on 0845 456 1668 or email her at j.dawson@timebank.org.uk