South West PROs Group

I have just taken on the Chair of the South West Public Relations Officers Group – an informal network of PR practitioners across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Our speaker last week was inspirational: Steve Weymouth, Business Development Manager for Shekinah Trading – the social enterprise division of the Shekinah Mission. (So much more than a ‘soup kitchen’, as he made very clear!)  It’s fantastic to see CSR doing so well for its own sake rather than to meet reporting requirements or to boost reputation.  One of the things that most shocked me in Steve’s presentation was that 40% of the homeless people they are currently working with are ex-service personnel.  These are men and women who have seen active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, come home traumatised and, to use Steve’s words, ‘self-medicated’ through drugs and alcohol … thus commencing the downward spiral to social exclusion.

Thanks to our outgoing Chair – Pat Nettleton – for arranging such an excellent presentation.  I’ve somehow got to follow that – and in my new role ensure that our meetings continue to offer  PR practitioners opportunities for development and networking. New members, offers of speakers and venues all welcome!