Celebrating collaboration across the Sunderland Rank Network

On 15 June, members of the Rank team and Sunderland Rank Network came together for a fantastic evening of celebration, connection and inspiration at the Sunderland Rank Network Showcase Event. 

The event brought together RankNet members, organisations from Sunderland’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, and local partners to celebrate achievements, strengthen relationships and share opportunities for the future. 

The evening combined networking with a series of presentations highlighting the incredible work taking place across the city. Our CEO, Caroline Broadhurst, opened the event with a welcome and reflections on the second year of the Sunderland Community Investment Programme, setting the scene for an evening focused on impact, collaboration and relational funding. Our host for the evening, Paul Callaghan, Chair of Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture Trust, welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of partnership working across Sunderland.

Guests then heard from three organisations from the 2025 Profit for Good Sunderland cohort, each demonstrating how investment and support are creating positive change in local communities. 

Corinne Kilvington from Theatre Space NE shared the progress of Wraparound Shakespeare, a project delivering tailored workshops in primary and secondary schools. Through immersive and engaging activities, the programme brings Shakespeare’s characters and language to life, helping young people connect with and enjoy some of the world’s most enduring literary works. 

Christine Willis spoke about the transformation of the Easington Lane Community Access Point shop. Funding has enabled improvements including increased storage capacity, a new till system and the introduction of online shopping. These developments are not only improving the service for local residents but are also creating valuable opportunities for volunteers to gain practical skills and workplace experience. 

Claire Wayman reflected on the impact of Sunrise, Sunshine Co-operative‘s community workshop based in Hendon. Since opening, the project has become a vibrant community hub, providing access to healthy groceries, multicultural cooking workshops and employment opportunities for young people. Claire shared how the project is helping to build stronger community connections while supporting local residents to develop new skills and confidence.

The evening also featured presentations from Kalam Neale of the British Esports Federation and Marie Nixon of Empire Theatre Trust, both of whom joined the Sunderland Rank Network through the Connecting Futures programme. Although relatively new members of the network, both organisations have already made significant progress in delivering projects that connect local young people with new opportunities, helping them build confidence, gain valuable work experience and explore potential career pathways. 

Less than a year into the programme, these projects are already creating meaningful outcomes, including exposure to the rapidly growing esports industry, opportunities within the creative and cultural sectors, and increased collaboration between VCSE organisations across the city.  

The showcase was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared commitment to supporting Sunderland’s communities. From education and employability to culture, wellbeing and community development, the projects presented on the evening demonstrated the breadth of talent, innovation and passion that exists within the city. 

“I’m still reflecting on the magic that Sunderland is creating. It’s amazing to see and hear the stories of the organisations doing so much to bring out the best in their communities. The Rank Foundation is helping to shine a light on what was already there and supporting those possibilities to succeed.” – Alisha Dixon, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SearchNewcastle

“A common theme throughout all three stories was the role Rank had played in believing in people, backing ideas and helping organisations grow… The whole evening was a brilliant reminder of what can happen when organisations invest in people and communities. At the Social Enterprise Academy, we’re delighted to continue our partnership with The Rank Foundation and are incredibly grateful for their continued belief in our programmes and most importantly – in the people who take part in them.” – Anthony Mcdermott, Strategic Partnerships and Delivery Lead, Social Enterprise Academy

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces, welcome new members to the network and celebrate the collective impact being made across Sunderland. We look forward to continuing to build on these connections, supporting one another and creating even more opportunities for local people and communities in the months ahead.