Soup Dragon's Den - May 2024

Community groups pledged to provide safe spaces and fun activities for families and individuals during our Soup Dragon’s Den event.

We heard pitches to provide SEN (Special Educational Needs)-friendly discos for young people; days out for families of children with neurological conditions; a community garden to help boost wellbeing; and physical activity for children with special educational needs. Our final pitch of the evening was to provide a piece of underwater search equipment.

The winning pitch was from Rainbow Hub, based in Mawdesley, which supports families with disabled children. They will receive £1,000 from our Community Investment Fund to organise days out for the young children and their families, providing much needed respite.

Lyndsay Fahey, Chief Executive of Rainbow Hub, said: “All of the projects were very worthy, so we feel very honoured that Rainbow Hub was voted the winning pitch.

“We will be using the money to fund day trips for families of children with neurological conditions and brain injuries. The money will allow us to take them to all sorts of places, like the zoo or ice skating. We also plan to host an event at Rainbow Hub for families to join in.

“Thank you so much to those that voted for us, to the wonderful people that organised and ran the event, to Progress Housing Group, and to all those wonderful people working tirelessly to make the world a better place for others.”

The four other community groups and individuals who pitched during the event will also receive funding of up to £200. They are: 

1. SEN Disco – These volunteer run events based in Leyland provide a safe space for children and young people with a special educational need.
2. Leyland Methodist Community Garden – The church is looking to start a community garden for its current groups and new members of the community to help support to increase wellbeing.
3. Chorley Wildcats – This volunteer-led group supports youngsters with special education needs by hosting physical activities at All Seasons Leisure Centre in Chorley.
4. Doing it for Dylan – Rebecca Ramsay set the charity up to educate youngsters about water safely after her son Dylan drowned in open water. Rebecca was pitching for funds to purchase an Aqua Eye, which helps identify people underwater.

Diane Nash, Customer Voice Manager, said: “It is always very humbling hearing how much hard work and dedication everyone puts in to support their local community.

“We appreciate everyone taking the time to pitch. You all did an amazing job and thank you for everyone who joined us to support their local groups. Well done to Rainbow Hub who does an amazing job in supporting children of neurological conditions and their families.

“We want to thank our contractor Arjo, for sponsoring the ingredients for the delicious soup and crumble, and St Mary’s Community Centre in Leyland, for continuing to help and support with the event.”

• We are now planning our next Soup Dragon’s Den event in November. Applications will open from October. Keep an eye out on our website for more details.