Charity Meetup Birmingham - Summer Networking Event

Working in the charity sector can be rewarding, but it can also feel isolating, especially in small teams.

It can also be tough when you're dealing with issues such as domestic abuse, end-of-life care, serious illnesses, homelessness, food poverty and more. You can't help but feel the weight of your emotions because you care.

Charity Meetup is a friendly, facilitated networking event where you can connect with peers, share challenges, and exchange ideas in a supportive space.

WHY ATTEND?
✔ Get fresh perspectives - Bring your challenges and get advice from others who’ve been there.
✔ Discover best practices - Learn what’s working for other charities and how you can apply it.
✔ Make meaningful connections - Build a network of like-minded professionals who truly understand your world.
✔ Leave feeling inspired - Walk away with new ideas, solutions, and motivation to take back to your team.
✔ Learn from our speakers - Gain fresh ideas through tips, practical advice, and real-world case studies shared by charity peers.

Join us for a relaxed, engaging session designed to help you grow your skills, confidence, and connections.

Book your place today and be part of the conversation!

WHAT IS CHARITY MEETUP?

Our events are fun and welcoming, giving you the opportunity to discuss topical issues with peers, foster connections, and give and get support in a relaxed but constructive way.
WHAT'S IN STORE AT CHARITY MEETUP?

Charity Meetup consists of a fun icebreaker (perfect for calming any nerves - plus you could win a prize), an expert speaker and guided networking sessions in groups and pairs.

Bottomless tea and coffee are included. We schedule a short halfway break, but you can just help yourself to a cuppa whenever you want to wet your whistle.

WHO CAN JOIN US?

Events are open to anyone working in a charity, not-for-profit, CIC, community project, etc.

We also welcome a small number of freelancers, consultants, and agencies that support the sector who are happy to share their insights to benefit charities by drawing on their experience and adding to discussions.

Please note that our events do not offer an opportunity to promote products or services to our charity attendees. It's important to us that our charity participants must never be 'sold to', but you're welcome to briefly mention what you do and give your contact details to any interested parties.

AGENDA

10.00am - Event opens. Sign in, grab a cuppa, and get settled, ready to begin

10.05am - Warm welcome and whizz through housekeeping

10.10am - Intros and an upbeat mixing game to kick off the event

10.30am - Talk by Barrie Hodge, St Basils - It's a bullseye! Targeted comms that inspires audiences

In his talk, Barrie will share practical strategies for crafting more targeted communications that drive greater impact and engagement. Whether you fundraise, manage relationships with stakeholders, are building a supporter base, or you’re in a comms role, this session will offer valuable insights.

11.00am - Quick comfort break

11.05am - Group facilitated networking session

11.35am - Facilitated open networking

11.50am - Final thoughts

12.00pm - Event closes

VENUE DETAILS

Manahatta, 10 Temple Street, Birmingham, B2 5BN

Charity Meetup events are held at Manahatta on Temple Street in the heart of Birmingham, where we have exclusive use of the bar area.

The venue is fully accessible, and a disabled toilet is next to the bar area.
Walking times for train users (approx):

• Snow Hill Station, 6 minutes
• Moor Street Station, 10 minutes
• New Street Station, 4 minutes

There is no car parking at the venue, but several car parks are nearby around the City Centre. Any road closures can be found on Birmingham City Council's website.

TICKETS

Tickets are excellent value and are limited in number to ensure attendees get maximum benefit.

Charity/not-for-profit/CIC/community project attendees: Tickets cost £7 (early bird until one month before the event) or £9 thereafter.

Freelancers/agencies/consultants: Tickets cost £14. Please read the 'Who can attend?' section above before purchasing a ticket in this category. If you have any questions about whether our events are suitable for you, please email [email protected] and Vicky will be happy to help.

Bottomless tea, coffee and water are included. Ticket sales close at midday the day before the event to allow us time to prepare but, if you would like to attend after that time, please email Vicky at [email protected]

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Images and videos: We'll take a few photos and videos during the event to use on social media and promote future events. Please let Vicky or Hope know if you would not like to be included.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Email Vicky Kangurs: [email protected]

What's the refund policy? Refunds will only be given with at least 48 hours ' notice. If you cannot make it after that time, you can invite a colleague to take your place. Please email Vicky (at [email protected]) their name and job title with as much notice as possible so she can amend the name badge and sign-in sheet.

INTRODUCING YOUR SPEAKER

Barrie Hodge

In his role as Head of Fundraising and Communications for St Basils, Barrie drives the strategy to secure critical funding and raise awareness.

He manages relationships with donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders, ensuring the charity’s work and impact are well understood and supported.

Barrie’s team is responsible for the promotion of St Basils’ mission through both digital and traditional media, helping to build a strong, engaged supporter base.

His efforts enable St Basils to reach more young people in need while strengthening its financial foundation.

INTRODUCING YOUR HOSTS

Vicky Kangurs

Based in Worcestershire, Vicky’s business is called Tabby Tiger. She offers strategic comms support to charities and good causes on a freelance basis.

Before going it alone, Vicky worked for a large charity in a role that covered several elements: internal and external comms, sponsorship, marketing, events management, PR and press officer duties.

Hope Adie

Hope is the Client Services Director at Colonel Duck, a Birmingham Software and Creative Agency. She has worked with charities to run national campaigns and develop engaging creative media.

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Host or Publisher Charity Meetup Birmingham