Raison D’Etre

Following this post, these posts will be written more from the perspective of the collective, rather than that of myself (Jim), but with permission, this one is important to understand why we do what we do. And for who.

This event was created to raise funds for St Sebastian's Community Centre, run by one of the loveliest humans. Geraldine Stone.

Then, in 2017, we stopped.

But I didn't really want to. Gerry knew that. And knew, just knew, what we needed in terms of motivation. A cause dear to our hearts. Suicide Prevention. And something local.

The #ISBFFamily and regular guests know the reasons. They get it.

The Gerry introduced us to Bernadette Conlon, the CEO and founder of START Inspiring Minds. From the moment we met Bernadette, I just knew that This Must Be The Place. It felt like home. It was where we wanted to be.

Inspirational people. Doing amazing things. To bring people back from the edge of the abyss.

5 years later, we're still here.

I spoke with Bernadette before we announced that we'd be back for #ISBF8. I wanted her - and her colleagues - to know that we still wanted to support the fabulous and vital work that they do in the City of Salford.

She's an amazing woman. And I was totally made up to learn she was honoured - for her work with START - with an MBE.

Bernadette Conlon MBE. It has a ring to it.

This year marks 30 years since the foundation of START. And one of the events to mark this momentous occasion is an art exhibition at Salford Art Gallery “People & Portraits of Salford”.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party. And left nothing short of in awe at the love and respect for Bernadette, Michelle and the entire team for the work that they have continued to do, through a hard 30 years, improving the lives of so many within the City of my birth.

Needless to say, whilst ISBF exists, we've found our charity home. Less than a quarter mile from Hemsley House.

The exhibition is on until September. If you are around - or close to Salford - do go.

We're proud to support START. And the amazing and vital work that they do.

It's personal. And close to the hearts of me, mine and the entire ISBF Family.

Back soon.

Be kind to one another.

Jim x