Category Archives: Charity & CSR

Charity & CSR, Mental Health, News

“We’re both scared of heights – and doing a Skydive to help prevent more young suicides.”

2 young people in Gloucestershire are raising funds for a suicide prevention charity after losing 2 friends to suicide – and doing it via a skydive despite both of them being absolutely terrified of heights.

Charlie Waplington and Elise Gardiner were hit hard by the tragic loss of friends Arro and Ed and wanted to take on a challenge to honour their memory.  The girls are undertaking a skydive – determined to overcome their  fear of heights – and the duo have decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for suicide prevention charity Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide.

Suicide is the biggest killer of people under 35 in the UK,  yet few people know anything about suicide prevention.  It is often only when it touches you personally that people recognise the risk to young people and the impact a suicide can have on family, friends and loved ones.

Elise explains:

“This is a charity very close to our hearts as we have both been affected by the loss of our 2 dear friends, Ed and Arro.

“We believe that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention and we support this charity.  We need to work towards a society which speaks openly about suicide and has the resources to save young lives. ”

Charlie added:

“It was coming up to a year since we lost Ed, and we lost Arro, Ed’s former classmate, a little earlier. Losing both of them hit our whole group hard, so we decided to do something to honour their memory.  These were young men who were popular and loved by friends and family, and if more people were aware of the risk factors and where to point friends who we know may be struggling for support and advice, it’s possible we could prevent others from going through the loss we have.”

“We wanted to do something to remember them but also to help others – tackling a massive fear seemed a great way to do it.  I am really terrified but remembering Ed and Arro, and focusing on the money we can raise to help others like them, is all the motivation we need.

The pair have already raised £870 via their Go Fund Me page and the Skydive is planned for 18 September.

You can support them here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sky-dive-fundraiser-prevention-of-young-suicide

Image shows Charlie with Ed (left) and Arlo with Elise (right)

Charity & CSR, Entertainment, News

The Wildhearts to support Huggard Centre with charity gig

One of this country’s best known rock bands, the Wildhearts, are opening their UK tour this September with a concert in aid of Huggard, Wales’ leading centre for people who are sleeping rough.

The gig at the Tramshed in Cardiff on Friday 3 September, is the start of an 18-date schedule taking the band from Wales to venues in England and Scotland. It’s also the launch date of their new album “21st Century Love Songs”.

The concert comes a year after the Wildhearts released their album, “30 Year Itch”, which was recorded during The Renaissance Men and Diagnosis tours in 2019 – the last to happen before the COVID Pandemic.

Huggard provides specialist support for people who are homeless. Individuals who often live complicated lives in traumatic circumstances.

Richard Edwards is Chief Executive of the Cardiff based charity. “The past 18 months have been hard on us all.  The COVID pandemic has impacted on every part of society, including the music industry, and we are very grateful to the Wildhearts for staging a concert in aid of us.

“Not only will it bring in much needed funds, it will also give us the opportunity to raise awareness about the work we do in helping people who are sleeping rough or are at risk of becoming homeless.”

The Wildhearts were formed in 1989 and the band’s sound is a mixture of hard rock and melodic pop music.

CJ, one of the founding members of the Wildhearts, said: “It will be a rather special concert and all the profits will go to Huggard. It is going to be a really good night, the first of the UK tour. It’ll be a party, so come and join us.”

Charity & CSR, Healthcare, Hospice News

Thankful patient celebrates doubling her fundraising target

A patient at Nightingale House has said a ‘big thank you’ after raising double the amount of money she originally planned.

Denise Cross set out to raise awareness about the facilities and treatments that Nightingale House Hospice provide, while raising 5K to support vital care for those with life-limiting illnesses by undertaking a sponsored head shave.

Within hours she hit her 5K target and the donations have continued to flow in ever since. She recently found out she had doubled her original target, with a total of £10,000 and the figure is still rising.

Denise wanted to thank everyone for their support. She said: “I am absolutely over the moon we have broken the £10k target. I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me with their kind donations and to my daughter Katherine for kickstarting our Just Giving campaign. We’ll be leaving the page open for a little while if anyone would like to donate.”

The 62-year-old was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer whilst in Gibraltar visiting her daughter in September 2020. She received radiotherapy in Malaga and chemotherapy in Wrexham but was given just days to live. After an initial stay at Nightingale House Hospice back in February for pain symptom management she was able to return home to her daughter, Katherine, and she received physiotherapy sessions and complementary therapies through the hospice. She was then readmitted in May 2021 and has been there ever since.

Katherine Williams, Denise’s daughter commented: “I was upset at first when they said mum’s care would be better served at Nightingale House but I’m really grateful to the hospice team who recognised the complexity of her needs. I get to spend quality time chatting to mum now whilst making special memories.”

Denise’s fundraising page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katherine-williams33

Charity & CSR, FInance, News

Charity Accountants Conference to help charity finance professionals go ‘Beyond Finance’ Sayer Vincent and DSC partner to host 30th annual Charity Accountants Conference online 22nd -23rd September 2021

Sayer Vincent, the award-winning firm of charity auditors and advisers in partnership with the Directory of Social Change (DSC) is hosting its 30th annual conference for finance professionals online on 23th and 24th September.

The main theme this year is ‘Beyond Finance’ and sessions will cover key topics linked to broader issues of sustainability and building charities fit for the future.

The keynote speeches and panel discussions and plenaries cover key topics such as:

  • Building a charity sector fit for the future
  • What does a sustainable charity sector look like?
  • Talking comfortably about race
  • Charity reserves – for spending or saving?

Caron Bradshaw OBE and CEO of the Charity Finance Group will open the conference with a keynote on how to build a charity sector fit for the future.

Throughout the conference, a range of interactive sessions will be held focused on key issues in charity finance, governance, and leadership.

These include practical ‘made simple’ sessions on the SORP, charity VAT and Gift Aid; as well as sessions on sustainable investing, cyber security, mergers and collaboration, reporting sustainability, running a digital AGM, and also personal development sessions on wellbeing and mastering your inbox.

There will also be two panel discussions, with panellists including Dame Sara Llewellin, CEO at Barrow Cadbury Trust and Farrah Kitabi, Trustee at Young Lives Versus Cancer, on what sustainability looks like in the sector and getting more comfortable talking about race in the workplace.

Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO of the Directory of Social Change, (DSC) and Jonathan Orchard, Partner at Sayer Vincent will run the final session on day two, ‘Charity reserves – for saving or spending?’ where they will discuss the challenge of balancing the obligation to spend funds on charitable work with the drive for resilience.

Jonathan Orchard, Partner at Sayer Vincent said, “Many charities have shown incredible resilience in just how well they have dealt with the pandemic. As we move forward, finance professionals need to go beyond finance and plan strategically for the future, consider how to be more sustainable and future proof their finances, as well as deal with the implications of Brexit.

“This conference will consider innovative and practical ways charities can do this, as well as guidance on personal development and strategy topics, together with important finance updates.

“Attendees will get valuable guidance and tips for safeguarding the future of their organisation, hear from top speakers about their experiences, and network and learn from their peers. We look forward to welcoming charity finance professionals from across the UK.”

The two-day conference costs £99 for charities. Sayer Vincent’s clients receive a 25% discount.  The sessions will be delivered by Zoom and will be recorded so they can be watched again.

For the full conference programme and to book your place, go to: https://www.dsc.org.uk/event/the-charity-accountants-online-conference/

 

Charity & CSR, Hospice News, News

Forever Flowers display opens to the public

A striking display of expertly crafted flowers within the grounds of Cardiff Castle opened to the public on Saturday (July 24).

Launched by leading Cardiff charity City Hospice earlier this year, the Forever Flowers campaign celebrates the lives of loved ones in a special way with unique and lasting tributes.

Supporters were invited to pre-order the limited-edition flowers to remember cherished family members, friends and loved ones. The campaign received an incredible response and over a thousand Forever Flowers feature in the display, which is free to visit and runs until Sunday August 8.

Forever Flowers supports the work of City Hospice, Cardiff’s local hospice, which is the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital.

The charity provides care and compassion to 550 patients at any one time with terminal or life limiting illnesses such as cancer, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and motor neurone disease (MND), as well as counselling and support services for their families.

Liz Andrews, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “We are so pleased to welcome everyone to the Forever Flowers display at such an iconic location. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the campaign which helps us to remember and cherish loved ones, as well as celebrate the important work of the charity.

“The display is free to visit and is something truly special; we encourage people to make a visit part of their plans during these first weeks of the summer holidays!”

Charity & CSR

Engenera renews commitment to homeless shelter

Employees from Engenera Renewables Group, one of the UK’s leading renewable energy companies, will sleep rough for a night in August to raise money for North East Homeless, a charity close to the company’s heart, which it is also making its official charity for the next 12 months.

North East Homeless helps and supports vulnerable and homeless individuals in the North East of England. Several staff and partners from Engenera hope to raise substantial funds for the charity, while also raising awareness of the challenges and hardships faced by people living on the streets.

Engenera has previously helped the charity in other ways. The charity also operates the Fish Quay Hub, a café and venue, which it uses to provide training, support and employment to the people it helps. In 2020, Engenera partnered with Mitsubishi and other companies to help transform what was a dilapidated warehouse into the amazing space it is today.

As part of that project, which included the installation of electrics, lighting and heating, Engenera installed a brand-new Air Source Heat Pump, heating units, and radiators free of charge for the charity, meaning the new space now runs using green energy, saving it money and reducing its carbon footprint in the process.

Lloyd Lawson, Chief Strategy Officer, Engenera, said:

“North East Homeless has been a charity close to our heart for some time – we were delighted to help them create what is now an amazing space in the Fish Quay Hub, which also plays such an important role for the vulnerable and homeless in the region.  Sleeping rough for a night will represent a tough reminder of the hardships homeless people face; we hope to raise some important funds for the charity in the process.”

Brian Burridge, founder of North East Homeless, said:

“We were delighted when we learned that Engenera would again be helping us. We use the Air Source Heat Pump on a daily basis, saving us money but also helping us live up to our ethos of sustainability.

“Everything in our Hub is sustainable; we aim to save furniture or equipment which was previously going to land-fill, and to ensure we’re energy efficient, mindful of our carbon footprint and so on.”

NEH not only provides a safe space for so many people, but carries out outreach nights across the North East 3-nights a week, to provide warm food and drinks, advice on organisations who may be able to provide assistance in accommodation and so much more.

Charity & CSR, North of England

Fox Agency cycles the length of the UK for Cycle to Work Day

B2B tech marketing specialist Fox Agency is cycling the length of the UK ahead of Cycle to Work Day, to celebrate its nationwide team and raise money for mental health charity, Mind.

With employees working remotely throughout the UK, as part of the agency’s hybrid working model, Cycle to Work Day on August 5 presents something of a challenge for the Fox Agency team. A rise in remote working has resulted in a decrease in local employees cycling to work, and for team members further afield in London for example, cycling to the agency’s Leeds HQ poses a tough task.

To celebrate the agency welcoming employees based up and down the country and even abroad, Fox Agency has vowed to cycle, not just to work, but to the equivalent distance of the entire length of the country. For this 600-mile mission the agency is hoping for sponsorship and the proceeds will be donated to mental health charity, Mind.

The agency has a huge focus on employee wellbeing and offers weekly online personal training sessions, yoga and meditation courses, art masterclasses and even virtual comedy gigs to support the mental and physical wellbeing of the team. Based on this focus, it seemed fitting that the proceeds from this challenge went towards a cause which supports the wellbeing of others.

On Fox Agency’s Cycle to Work Challenge, Director Al Fox said: “Along with our other wellbeing initiatives, we offer a Cycle to Work scheme. However, when the team spans the length and breadth of the country, there’s only so much use we can make of such a scheme. I’m really proud of the agency for taking on this challenge which is great for team moral and wellbeing, and will also raise money and awareness for a very worthy cause.”

Charity & CSR

‘City Hospice made such an impact in a short amount of time’

A family supported by City Hospice during the illness of a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother earlier this year is getting involved with the charity’s Forever Flowers campaign this summer.

Forever Flowers allows supporters to remember cherished family members, friends and loved ones with a unique and lasting tribute. The limited-edition flowers will feature in a striking display in the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday July 24 to Sunday August 8.

Gemma Powell and her family are supporting Forever Flowers to raise awareness of City Hospice’s important work and services following the loss of mother and grandmother Lynne in February.

Lynne, who had been living with Alzheimer’s for a number of years, was sadly diagnosed with bladder cancer at the start of January and was cared for by City Hospice in her final days.

Gemma said: “Before Christmas, we had noticed that mum had lost weight as well as her appetite and in the New Year, the advanced cancer diagnosis was confirmed. It was getting increasingly difficult for myself and my dad to care for mum and our doctor put us in touch with City Hospice for specialist palliative care.

“The nurses were so lovely and discussed everything with us. They helped arrange the delivery of care equipment that would make mum more comfortable at home as well as sorting the medication needed, all of which was put into place really quickly.

“Although mum was not under the care of City Hospice for very long, the hospice made such an impact in a short amount of time. The support we received in just a few days made the world of difference and we really valued that mum was able to receive such excellent care in her own home.”

Since their loss, the Powell family have been keen to support the charity as much as possible.

Gemma said: “My husband Matthew and our children Nia and Louis took part in Llanishen High School’s Heart and Sole 100 Heroes Challenge for City Hospice; walking, running and cycling over 12,000 miles to virtually travel from Cardiff to Patagonia. It was a really fun way to give something back and then we heard about Forever Flowers through the school’s updates.

“We really wanted to be involved with this incredible campaign to remember mum but also to raise awareness of the charity. We hadn’t heard of City Hospice before we were in need of their care and want to bring more awareness to the brilliant services they provide, particularly care in the home which was so important to our family.”

Liz Andrews, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “We are delighted that Gemma, Matthew, Nia and Louis are supporting our Forever Flowers campaign, a unique way to celebrate and remember loved ones, in memory of Lynne.

“This special campaign will help fund essential care for people with terminal or life limiting conditions across the capital and allow us to continue to support more families like the Powells.”

 

 

Charity & CSR

The Together for Short Lives Ball 2021

Join us for a truly magical evening of celebration.

We are excited to announce that this year will mark the return of The Together for Short Lives Ball on 9th November 2021, hosted by our Patron Simon Cowell and kindly sponsored by M&S Food and Ok! Magazine.

Our guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of star-studded live entertainment, the finest hospitality and immersive theming, culminating with a luxury auction where guests will be given the opportunity to bid on once in a lifetime prizes. This year’s event is set to be an evening of fun and childlike wonder, but for grownups!

Why come along?

Our Ball will help to raise vital funds to ensure that families caring for seriously ill children can treasure every moment together, whether that’s for years, months or only hours.

Since 2018, the Together for Short Lives Ball has raised over three quarters of a million pounds to support our vital work which provides a lifeline to families caring for children with life limiting conditions across the UK.

This year, hand in hand with our headline sponsor M&S Food, we are aiming to raise £300,000 to make a real difference to families and children in unimaginable circumstances.

A sneak peak…

Upon arrival at our super-secret central London location, a beautiful Champagne reception and a decedent selection of canapes will await you, followed by exquisite fine dining, a vibrant live auction, and a spectacular line-up of world-class celebrity entertainment. Immersed by our one-of-a-kind theme, this event is something you will not want to miss!

Get involved, Get in touch!

Help us stand alongside families, supporting them to ensure they get the vital care and help that they need.

Secure a table:

We hope that you will be able to join us for a truly extraordinary evening of celebration with table packages starting from £5,000. Our Ball is perfect way for couples, families, or even corporate teams to celebrate and let your hair down after the trials and tribulations of the last year, whilst also toasting to a fresh start, all whilst supporting a great cause. Get in touch to hear more about the chance to secure a prime location table with unlimited wine, champagne on ice and a front row seat for the evening’s entertainment.

Partner with us:

 We are looking for some very special partners to sponsor our ball, joining forces with our headline partner M&S Food, to support seriously ill children and their families. We offer a range of sponsorship packages with a variety of opportunities gain brand exposure to a network of high-profile individuals including celebrities, philanthropists, and CEOs.

We understand that authentic partnerships can lead to transformational change, and we want to talk to businesses who are interested in tailoring a sponsorship package unique to your CSR objectives and brand values.

Donations:

On the evening, will be holding a sublime auction where guests will be given the opportunity to bid on a stellar selection of luxury lots. We would love to hear from brands interested in donating to our auction and can offer key exposure in exchange for your generous support. The Together for Short Lives’ brand is sector leading and regularly secures high profile PR opportunities, reaching broad audiences. In 2019, our ball achieved a combined potential reach of £22.4m, hitting 251,438+ social media impressions.

Please personally contact Kaitlyn Noy-Man to register your interest, reserve a table, enquire about sponsorships and donations, or to find out more.

kaitlyn.noy-man@togetherforshortlives.org.uk

 

We cannot wait for you to join us for an unforgettable evening.

Appointments, Charity & CSR, News

Leading Smell Loss Charity Abscent Strengthens Senior Team with Strategic Hires

Following a year of unprecedented growth, AbScent, the charity that supports people impacted by all types of smell disorders, is to bolster its team with a range of senior, strategic hires. AbScent has stepped in to support people experiencing Covid 19 related smell loss and other smell disorders, both in the UK and globally, amidst an environment of limited support and diagnosis from traditional medical channels.

AbScent’s membership of 65,000+ people have sought help through the charity’s online forums and support groups. There has been exponential growth through the charity’s social media channels and specifically the Facebook groups AbScent Covid 19 Smell and Taste loss  and AbScent Parosmia and Phantosmia Support. AbScent offers general advice, support and smell training kits. Smell training is a well researched supportive technique which has been shown to improve sense of smell.  The new team includes:

  • Sarah Oakley joins as Executive Director responsible for marketing and strategic direction. Sarah was previously Head of National Programs at the Macular Society where she was responsible for the strategic development and delivery of services that provided information, support and practical advice to people affected by Macular disease
  • Angela Lathwell joins as Fundraising Manager responsible for developing a robust programme of corporate and individual donation. Angela is a seasoned fundraising professional previously at the Southampton Hospital Charity and The Gurka Welfare Trust
  • Green Row Communications have been appointed to implement a consumer and trade PR programme to raise awareness of smell loss, and increase the charity’s profile. Green Row Communications is a specialist food, drink and healthcare PR agency whose clients include The Red Tractor Food Standard Assurance Scheme, Lidl, The London Opthalmic Centre (LondonOC), The Regenerative Clinic and Together Dental

Chrissi Kelly, Founder, AbScent, retains her role in working with leading researchers to increase understanding of olfactory illnesses. She said; “In the last 18 months there has been an extraordinary increase in awareness around smell and taste loss. So many people have had to come to terms with their own problems, and proactively seek the help that they so desperately need. But what we must remember is that although we are now at the forefront of people’s minds, smell and taste loss happen all the time and not just in times of Covid 19. Viruses, trauma and even cognitive impairment contribute to smell loss, and with profound repercussions for mental health, happiness, and relationships. It’s time to make a lasting change in outcomes for those people affected”.

Sarah Oakley, Executive Director, AbScent, said; “I am delighted to be joining AbScent to drive forward a charity that is making such a powerful positive impact in the lives of so many people. The work that has been done so far by Chrissi, and her scientific team is truly inspiring, and it feels like we have potential to make amazing changes for people with smell loss. We have ambitious plans for AbScent which are going to include developing further resources, especially in the food and drink sector to help with practical day to day living for people living with smell loss.”

AbScent’s active membership is made up of more than 65,000 people who have proactively sought help through the charity’s online forums and support groups. There has been exponential growth the charity’s social media channels and specifically the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbScentParosmia

Smell loss covers a number of conditions including anosmia, hyposmia, parosmia, and phantosmia. AbScent is an unrivalled resource of trusted information delivered with the help of a distinguished advisory board. . They advocate for increased understanding and raised awareness of olfactory conditions and support research.