Head of Business Development and Partnerships

South West Water climbs Snowdonia peaks for water charity. A mountain challenge has helped raise funds to bring safe water to communities in need. Colleagues from South West Water raised £1,581 by climbing peaks in Snowdonia as part of WaterAid's Munro Challenge, an event where teams climb mountains all over the country to raise funds for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene projects around the world. The challenge took place last weekend and saw 331 participants from 55 teams climb 43 mountains, including those in the Scottish Munros and Snowdonia. Charlie Page, environment manager at WaterAid's Water Industry Partnerships, said: "A huge thank you, on behalf of all of Sidmouth Herald at WaterAid, to everyone who took on the Munro Challenge last weekend - what an amazing achievement to have so many teams taking part right across the UK. "Millions of people around the world still lack access to the clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene services they need to stay healthy and thrive. "The Munro Challenge demonstrates people choosing to push themselves to make a difference to others, and every penny raised takes us closer to a world where WaterAid no longer needs to exist." Three teams from South West Water and SES Water tackled various peaks in Snowdonia, raising £1,581 towards the total figure, which currently stands at £61,685 and will be finalised by WaterAid on 1 July. This is the second time colleagues from across the Pennon Group have taken part in the challenge, following their hike in the Brecon Beacons last year, which raised more than £1,300. Carla George, project manager at South West Water and a challenge participant, said: "Last year I saw the opportunity to be a part of the WaterAid team for the first time. "Knowing that I am contributing to changing this reality was something I knew I had to get involved in. "Completing the Brecon Beacons walk was great fun, but knowing the funds raised will directly transform lives made it an unforgettable milestone. "I look forward to continuing this vital journey, contributing to bringing clean water to everyone, everywhere." WaterAid is an international charity focused on improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in some of the world's most vulnerable communities.

Malawi Government commits more resources to revamp water and sanitation infrastructure. By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to clean water and sanitation services by intensifying efforts to mobilise additional resources aimed at rehabilitating aging infrastructure and addressing persistent service delivery challenges across the country. Speaking at the conclusion of an interface meeting with officials from WaterAid on the sidelines of the 2026 African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Malawi's Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamvekha, acknowledged that the country's water infrastructure has significantly deteriorated over the past five years due to obsolete equipment, inadequate maintenance, and growing pressure on existing systems.Malawi Freedom Network Crowns Joseph Mwanamvekha "Minister of the Year" for Exceptional Leadership Mwanamvekha said the deteriorating state of water supply systems has contributed to major gaps in service delivery, affecting both urban and rural communities and exposing millions of Malawians to unsafe water conditions and sanitation-related health risks. He stressed that the government now considers investment in water and sanitation infrastructure as a national development priority, noting that access to safe water is directly linked to improved public health outcomes, economic productivity, education, and social welfare.MEDF Must Break from the Past, Enforce Discipline - Mwanamvekha "We recognise that safe water and sanitation are fundamental to public health and economic productivity," Mwanamvekha said. The Finance Minister explained that government is actively engaging development partners, financial institutions, and international organisations to secure funding for the rehabilitation of aging water systems, expansion of clean water access points, and construction of improved sanitation facilities in underserved areas.Mwanamvekha: The Driving Force Behind Malawi's Economic Stabilisation According to Mwanamvekha, Malawi's urban water boards and rural water supply systems have struggled to meet growing demand amid years of underinvestment and climate-related pressures, resulting in intermittent water supply and inadequate sanitation services in several districts. Meanwhile, Robert Kampala, Regional Director for Southern Africa at WaterAid, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting Malawi and other African countries in strengthening water and sanitation systems.Mwanamvekha: The Strategic Mind Steering Malawi's Economic Recovery Path Kampala said many countries across Africa continue to face serious challenges in providing portable and clean water to citizens, making collaboration between governments, donors, and non-governmental organisations increasingly important. He noted that strategic partnerships are essential in accelerating investment toward sustainable water infrastructure and improving sanitation services, especially in vulnerable communities affected by poverty, rapid population growth, and climate change.Chitera says Mutharika is leading Malawi from "Bagamoyo" to "Canaan" Development experts say improved water and sanitation infrastructure is critical for Malawi's long-term socio-economic transformation, particularly as the country continues to battle waterborne diseases, inadequate sanitation coverage, and increasing demand for reliable clean water supply. The renewed commitment by government and development partners is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to modernise Malawi's water systems and improve living conditions for millions of citizens who still lack adequate access to safe and reliable water services. Sponsored - Malawi Freedom Network Malawi Freedom Network. United for Freedom, Justice and a Better Malawi Airtel money. 0994095804 Mpamba. 0881428759 BANK TRANSFER FDH Bank. 1400000670385 NBS Bank. Thank you for your support!

Embracing authenticity in community-led storytelling through creators: key takeaways from the Prospectus Fundraising Breakfast 2026. This morning, I attended an excellent event, hosted by Prospectus - Creators, Partnerships & Letting Go: How charities are embracing creators, partnerships and community-led storytelling to stay relevant in 2026. My notes from the two speakers, Jennie York and Ranjeet Kharé, who were introduced by Ryan Burdock, are below. Jennie York from Water Aid shared valuable insights on the importance of authentic storytelling at the recent Prospect Fundraising Breakfast 2026. Here are some key takeaways: * Authenticity is defined by audiences, not charities: It's crucial to understand that authenticity is increasingly not framed by its organisations, but by its audiences. * Influencers are key: Both macro and micro-influencers can play a significant role in telling authentic stories. Aligning with influencers who share its values is vital. * AI can be a risk: Avoid "AI slop" and focus on building trust with your audience. * Partnerships can drive impact: Water Aid's partnership with MrBeast raised $41.2 million and reached 1.1 to 3 billion people. * Creators are convenors of community: Treat creators as partners, not channels, and understand their audience and values. * Be agile and reactive: Be prepared to move quickly and adapt to new opportunities. Team Water and the MrBeast partnership: a case study in scale and credibility One of the most striking examples Jennie shared was WaterAid's partnership with MrBeast. The campaign mobilised 10,000 creators, reached between 1.1 and 3 billion people, and raised $41.2 million, a scale that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. But the partnership worked because each side brought something essential: * MrBeast brought reach and cultural momentum. * WaterAid brought credibility, engineering expertise, and trust. Most creators joined because he asked, not because WaterAid did. That's the new reality: creators convene communities, and charities must learn to work within those ecosystems rather than trying to control them. Navigating risk, red lines and organisational confidence Jennie also spoke about the challenges inherent in this area of work. Working with creators at scale means navigating risk - quickly. WaterAid had some clear red lines, but equally invested time in educating creators about issues like white saviourism, helping them tell stories responsibly. This work demands a strong organisational risk appetite and a willingness to move at creator-speed. Traditional charity timelines simply don't match the pace of digital culture. Ranjeet Kharé from Young Enterprise framed this as an exciting moment for storytellers, especially those willing to step outside the traditional fundraising mould. 3rd Sector Mission Control is surrounded by storytellers every day, and the challenge is no longer simply to "tell stories" but to participate in the culture where stories now live, evolve, and spread. She emphasised that authenticity is no longer just a leadership trait; it's about how 3rd Sector Mission Control create belonging, how 3rd Sector Mission Control show up collectively, and how 3rd Sector Mission Control co-create meaning with its audiences. In digital spaces, young people expect to be part of the story, not passive recipients of it. She illustrated this through the example of Mr Dot, the blind Braille artist who's sunning a marathon unaided using specialist glasses: an example of how technology, creativity, and lived experience can combine to create powerful, community-driven storytelling. Mr Dot will be running his Marathon for Fight For Sight without a guide courtesy of Be My Eyes glasses in April 2026. Key Actions and Principles * Young people live in these spaces; fundraisers need to actively spend time there too. * Curiosity is essential: give the algorithm enough of your attention to learn what's happening, what's resonating, and why. * Don't enter expecting immediate ROI. Enter to learn, explore, and be shaped by what you find. * Look beyond the obvious platforms: Substack, niche communities, and emerging spaces matter. 2. Be authentic, transparent, and rooted in belonging * Authenticity is about shared direction and co-creation, not polished messaging. * Digital audiences, especially younger ones, spot inauthenticity instantly. * Belonging is created when people feel part of the narrative, not spoken at. 3. Work with creators as convenors of community, not channels * Creators aren't "distribution". They are translators, shaping messages so they land with their communities. * Think "in aid of", not brand-led partnerships. * Peer-to-peer conversations are often more powerful than organisational broadcasts. * To understand this world, you need to "get out there" and, as Ranjeet put it, "be fifteen". 4. Explore new ways to collaborate with corporates * Corporates increasingly want to reach audiences through creators. * Charities can play a bridging role, helping corporates connect authentically and ethically with communities. 5. Let go of rigid strategy and embrace agility * The pace of digital culture means long-term, fixed plans can hold you back. * Be reactive, opportunistic, and ready to pivot. * Don't expect relationships with creators or communities to be long-term or linear. * Creativity and agility are now strategic assets.