A visionary in the vegan movement, Suffolk based Sadie Jade, is making significant strides for veganism within local government and beyond...

Celebrating the 5th anniversary of The Vegan Network.

The co-founder of the UK’s first Vegan Network within a county council, Sadie has provided a vital voice and platform for vegans, ensuring their perspectives are represented.

The creation of The Vegan Network marks a historic achievement, offering support and a voice for its members within local government.

This initiative has led to more inclusive workplace for vegan employees and a greater recognition of vegan values and beliefs.

"Establishing The Vegan Network has been a transformative journey," says Sadie. "It’s about more than just dietary choices; it’s about fostering a supportive community and ensuring that vegan perspectives are considered within the council."

“We also can show other local governments how to set up a network within their organisation.”  

‍

‍

Sadie and her husband Jack co-founded the network in 2019.  

They were motivated by the lack of awareness and voice for vegans in local government and wanted to give vegans a platform.

“Our council is a huge employer locally; the network has had an incredibly positive influence for not only its vegan members, who make up a third of our network, but also for the other two thirds who don’t self-identify as vegan but who share values around protecting animals, the planet, and people’s health”.

"To us, it was a way of using our passion for animals and overlaying that with the careers we’ve built over so many years.”  

“We’re the third largest network in the whole council and have built up to now being run collaboratively by 6 co-chairs.”

‍

The Vegan Network has organised a number of events over the years too.

“We’ve hosted a citizen’s assembly about the climate crisis, and more recently we’ve worked with a local farmer to restore vital hedgerow to his land, planting 230 metres of Hawthorn, Dogwood and Field Maple saplings which equated to about 1000 trees.”

“The amount of people who come up to me to tell me that they’ve now given up meat because of discussions in our teams site (this happened literally yesterday!), or they are doing three days a week vegan and seeing where it goes, is phenomenal."  

That’s what we’re all about. Spreading awareness, supporting each other, and making an impact for animals. Veganism isn’t elitism, it’s for everyone.”

In addition to her pioneering work with The Vegan Network, Sadie has authored The Vegan Lifestyle Journal, which serves as a comprehensive resource for those interested in embracing a vegan lifestyle.

The journal includes practical advice, a step-by-step guide on embracing a vegan lifestyle enabling readers to feel empowered and not overwhelmed.  

"Writing The Vegan Lifestyle Journal was a natural extension of my animal advocacy," Sadie explained.  

"I wanted to create a resource that empowers people to make informed choices and feel supported on their vegan journey."  

The Vegan Lifestyle Journal is now available in bookstores and online retailers nationwide, offering readers valuable insights and practical tips on plant-based living.