How we supported our community in July
Hiking, running, mentoring, cleaning – these are just some of the ways the OneFamily team supported great causes and gave back to the community this month.
As part of our Inspiring Better Futures commitment to supporting our communities, we give charities more than just funding.
All of the OneFamily team are encouraged to take time out during their working week to volunteer. This month we helped teenagers develop business skills, cleaned up our local beaches, hiked 12 miles for homelessness, and much more!
Helping to develop business skills with IntoUniversity
In July, 16 students, their teachers and accompanying IntoUniversity staff were joined by a team of OneFamily volunteers for a business-focused workshop which took place in our office.
The students were split into two teams and competed to create a viable business plan. OneFamily staff took on the role of mentors for the teams, as well as acting as the funding committee that judged their work and ultimately chose a winner.
IntoUniversity is an organisation that helps young people growing up in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. They provide learning centres to help inspire and support students to work towards their aspirations.
Teaching interview skills with SPEAR
As part of our ongoing partnership with SPEAR, we supported another mock interview session this month - we're yet to miss one this year!
Team members Vikki, Lawrence and Louise helped out at the most recent session, supporting a group of young people in developing their job interview skills so they can feel confident finding employment.
The Spear Programme aims to transform the lives of young people in Brighton who face barriers to employment. It helps them to build important skills for their careers, overcome any challenges they face, prepare for the workplace and commit to long-term employment.
OneFamily not only supports the Spear Programme through funding, but also through sharing skills, knowledge and experience by volunteering at mock interview sessions.
Hiking Against Homelessness for The Clock Tower Sanctuary
Earlier this month, three of our team members took part in a 12.6 mile hike from Lewes to Brighton organised by The Clock Tower Sanctuary.
Graham, Louise and David raised over £2,500 for the charity, with the total money raised by hikers hitting a whopping £9,850 by the end of the day!
The Clock Tower Sanctuary is the only drop-in day centre in Brighton and Hove for young people experiencing homelessness. It helps them to find housing, get into education or employment and get involved in activities such as yoga, cookery and table tennis. The charity's aim is to help its users build self-confidence and a local support system.
We work with The Clock Tower Sanctuary on their “Towards Stability” project, which is designed to help young people move into housing and find work.
Cleaning up Brighton's beaches
Towards the end of the month, a group of OneFamily volunteers helped to clean our local beach and esplanade.
Rob, Sara, Joseph, Ben and Diana got together and, with tools and high-vis jackets provided by Brighton and Hove Council, got to work picking up all kinds of rubbish others had left behind.
Throughout the day, members of the public who walked past stopped to thank them for taking the time to pick up litter.
Our star worker was Rob, who picked up enough rubbish to fill 8 bags!
Rob said he enjoyed the fresh air, the exercise and the lovely comments from members of the public who appreciated what they were doing. Diana and Ben also loved the experience, but they'd love to see more people not only picking up after themselves but also joining in on these beach cleaning sessions.
Brighton and Hove Council encourages local residents to volunteer in cleaning up the beaches and seafront areas. It provides boxes on the Brighton seafront with all the equipment you might need, such as pick sticks, gloves, bags and high-vis jackets.
Running for Team Domenica
Last month, our own Frankie Entwistle joined members of Team Domenica on the 10km Brighton Trail Run through Stanmer Park. She raised £195 for Team Domenica, which was then matched by OneFamily to a total of £390!
Team Domenica is a social enterprise charity that helps people with learning disabilities find their career potential.
It creates local employment opportunities and removes barriers to work. We work with Team Domenica to help raise the charity's profile in the community and we provide funding to help support its employment centre. Team Domenica even provides catering for some of our in-office events!
Celebrating Age UK's 65th birthday
Emma has volunteered weekly with Age UK since April, helping out during their bingo sessions by calling out the numbers and making drinks.
So when Age UK celebrated its 65th birthday this month, Emma joined other staff and volunteers on a vintage bus in Hove to commemorate the occasion.
She gave out cake and badges and helped promote Age UK and the amazing work they do across the country. She’ll also be joining them for this year’s Pride parade!
Age UK is the country’s leading charity dedicated to helping people in the later stages of life. It provides all kinds of services and support to the elderly such as help with daily domestic tasks, exercise classes, IT training, transport and grocery delivery.
Age UK is also at the forefront of research and campaign for the rights of older people and it provides all sorts of information and advice to older people, their carers and their families.
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