More than ever the desire to do more and help others is at the forefront of many people’s minds. This was recently mentioned to us by a client in our February Serenity Social. This year all our staff were asked to nominate the charities they would like to support, and the three with the most votes have become our chosen charities for the year. We wanted to share with you a little about each charity and what they do.
The Trussell Trust – Foodbank
Given the ongoing cost of living crisis which is accompanied by the rising cost of energy bills, the reliance upon foodbanks is increasing. Trussell estimate that more than 14 million people are currently living in poverty in the UK – and this has only worsened since the pandemic. Since their inception in 1997, they have created over 1,200 foodbanks all over the UK.
Not only do their volunteers work hard at preparing and distributing food parcels, they offer assistance to those in need in accessing crucial benefits and support they are entitled too but are missing out on. They believe tackling the root causes of poverty is essential in tackling the problem, and Trussell are clear in their goal – ‘Our vision is for a future without the need for food banks’.
There are many ways to give back to The Trussell Trust – this can come in the donation of dried non-perishable goods, giving up your time to volunteer at one of their many foodbanks or financial donations are all welcomed. They are currently partnered with many well-known organisations – Tesco, Unilever, and Waitrose to name a few.
If you’d like to find out more about their work, visit their website – https://www.trusselltrust.org/.
Alzheimer’s Research UK
The first diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was made in 1901 and has fast become prevalent throughout society – it is soon believed Alzheimer’s will become the leading cause of death in the UK making research and finding a cure of paramount importance. CEO Hilary Evans summarises their mission: ‘Alzheimer’s Research UK has a vision of a world free from dementia and I am confident this can happen in my lifetime’. Alzheimer’s Research UK are leading the fight against dementia and are dedicated to finding appropriate treatments and preventions – and eventually a cure.
They rely upon support and donations which helps fund their vital research – these come in the form of financial donations, fundraising events, volunteers, campaigns and simply sharing their message. Alzheimer’s Research UK are clear in their end goal – ‘Our mission is to bring about the first life-changing dementia treatment by 2025’ and we’re hoping through our help this year, we can be a small part of helping that happen.
For more information, https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/.
Shelter
‘We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.’ Homelessness is on the rise – with a 26% jump in the past year, more people than ever are finding themselves in an unimaginable situation. Unsurprisingly, an individual that finds themselves in this position long term will find their life expectancy is just 43 years old. Shelter found that around ‘72,320 households in England became homeless or were at imminent risk of becoming homeless’ making what they do crucial. Not only do Shelter provide aid and support those facing homelessness, they also offer free legal advice and advocate for those living in unsafe conditions. Between 2021 – 2022, Shelter helped 60% of those who contacted them about homelessness find somewhere to live.
Supporting Shelter can be done in many ways; shopping at one of the many Shelter stores throughout the UK, volunteering or financial donations are all welcomed.
For more information about Shelter and to read personal testimonies of those they have helped, go to https://england.shelter.org.uk/.
As a team we’re really enthused to begin fundraising work this year. From tough mudders to coffee mornings, 10ks and sponsored silences, we’re hard are work brainstorming ways to get as involved and raise as much money as possible for our chosen charities. We’d love if you’d be a part of that too. We’ll also be keeping you updated regularly with our progress, sharing stories and pictures in the events we take part in.
We will be reviewing our charities on an annual basis, if you have any charities, you’d like to be considered next year, we will be taking nominations closer to the time.
