2024 – what a year! We are filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible milestones we’ve achieved. This year has been one of collaboration, community, and celebration, and we’re excited to share the highlights of what has been a truly transformative year for ourselves and the communities we serve.
We raised the Roof
One of the standout moments of the year was the success of our Raise the Roof campaign, which raised an astounding £15,000 to fund essential repairs to the roof of The Portland Centre, our vital community hub. For over 100 years, this space has been a lifeline for hundreds of local people, offering support and services that meet a wide range of needs. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we surpassed our fundraising goal, ensuring that this key facility can continue to serve the community for many years to come.
Breaking Boundaries: The Open Iftar at Meadow Lane
2024 marked a historic milestone in the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity with the Open Iftar event at Meadow Lane. In collaboration with Muslim Hands and supported by funding from the Premier League Fans Fund, this ground-breaking event brought together individuals from all walks of life to celebrate Ramadan in a way that transcended boundaries of race, religion, and backgrounds. As the sun set and the call to prayer echoed through the stadium, the Iftar became a symbol of unity and cultural exchange—a powerful reminder of how sport can bring people together.
We were honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Carole McCulloch, whose presence highlighted the event’s importance in promoting community cohesion. This event not only launched our Premier League Fans Fund campaign, but also set the tone for future initiatives centred around inclusivity.
New Partnerships, New Impact: ENSEK Collaboration
This year also saw the launch of an exciting new partnership with ENSEK, a Nottingham-based tech company dedicated to community investment through its ESG strategy. The Foundation and ENSEK came together to support local mental health initiatives and community wellbeing projects. From running and supporting wellbeing workshops for ENSEK staff to the Giftmas Tree project, which helped distribute gifts to children in Nottinghamshire, this partnership has already had an impact on our community. ENSEK employees also volunteered at the Portland Centre, helping to improve the space and making it even more welcoming for all who use it.
Eye of the Magpie podcast launched
In an exciting first, we launched our very own podcast, Eye of the Magpie, giving a voice to the Foundation’s participants, trustees, staff, partners, and volunteers. With two episodes released towards the end of the year, the podcast provides listeners with authentic insights into the real-life impact of our work, focusing on topics like mental health and disability inclusion. We’re thrilled by the positive feedback and look forward to more stories from the heart of our community in the year ahead.
A Gala Celebration of Community Spirit
The Notts County Foundation Gala Dinner 2024 was a night to remember, filled with generosity, community spirit, and celebration. Held at the Bolero Suite at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, this flagship fundraising event featured inspiring speeches from Vicky McClure, our Foundation ambassador, and Paralympic champion Tully Kearney, who both highlighted the importance of investing in the mental wellbeing of our communities.
The night was a huge success, raising vital funds for our projects and programmes, and provided a platform to spotlight our ‘Right Mind’ programme, which supports women’s mental health. Guests enjoyed great entertainment, including interactive magic from Roy the Magician, making for an unforgettable evening.
Empowering South Asian Communities in Football
Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity continued to grow with the launch of football sessions for South Asian women and girls. In partnership with This Girl Can and the Muslim Women’s Network, these sessions aim to break down barriers and create safe spaces for women to enjoy football. Supported by the Premier League Fans Fund, the sessions have been an empowering way to engage with underrepresented communities through sport.
Fighting Homelessness: CEO Sleepout
Business leaders from across Nottinghamshire came together to raise awareness and funds for homelessness with the CEO Sleepout. Held at Meadow Lane, the event highlighted the critical need for local support services, raising vital funds to support initiatives like Emmanuel House and The Friary. The generosity and solidarity shown by the business community were truly inspiring and will go a long way in helping those most in need in our region.
Celebrating Diwali at The Nest
2024 also marked our first-ever Diwali celebration at The Nest, Notts County’s state-of-the-art venue. The event brought together over 140 guests for an evening of cultural exchange, highlighting the rich traditions of Diwali through performances by the Punjabi School and the Nottingham Asian Arts Council. This collaboration with local partners including Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and Nottinghamshire Police created a memorable experience that celebrated community unity and cultural diversity.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on the highlights of 2024, we are excited for what lies ahead in 2025. The incredible support of our community, partners, and volunteers continues to fuel our mission to support the wellbeing of everyone in Nottingham. We look forward to building on this year’s successes and continuing to work towards a more inclusive, healthy, and connected future.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are making a difference.
