2CVers in London supporting some of their community's most vulnerable individuals
Over the last 9 months, we've had the privilege of partnering with London-based homelessness charity, SHP. Towards the end of 2018, we were increasingly aware of the prevalence of homelessness in the streets surrounding our Central London office and were keen, together with our 12 Flitcroft office 'buddies', The Value Engineers and Cello Health, to partner with a charity working hard to support some of London's most vulnerable individuals. SHP felt like the 'right' partner given their particular focus on 'tackling' the issue at a local level and supporting those with multiple and complex needs.
Since the official 'launch' of our charity partnership in January, our support has revolved around three main areas: Volunteering, Fundraising & Pro Bono work. Looking back, it's been a real joy to see the way that the 2CV team has thrown themselves into everything from preparing meals at a winter night shelter to taking part in station collections to proving their impressive baking skills in an office-wide Bake Off! We're delighted to have raised just over £2,500 so far this year and a few of our brave ladies (big shout out to Lexi, Mollie & Alice!) will also be adding to this grand total as they take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon for SHP in October.
Our researchers and creatives have also been working closely with the SHP team by respectively conducting donor research and providing branding/filming support at a Crystal Palace Summer Sports Day - an event organised to mark the success of SHP's award-winning Sports and Health Project. As firm believers in the transformative role of physical activity to boost self-esteem, provide community and improve overall mental health - evidenced time and time again in our own cross-practice research projects - we're thrilled that SHP has been deservedly recognised for their pioneering programme.
As we move into the latter part of the year, we're looking forward to seeing this partnership continue to flourish and to ultimately help SHP reach those most in need in our city.
Abigail Plank