The Power of Partnership: Johnson Matthey’s Impact
Johnson Matthey (JM) has been a steadfast partner of Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire (HSRBSC), standing by our side for many years and offering support in various forms. Their financial contributions have helped us continue our vital work, enabling us to reach out to families facing diverse challenges.
And JM have not just given us financial support. When faced with a dilemma about where to hold volunteer training, they generously provided us with a venue. Following Covid, transitioning back to face-to-face volunteer training was a significant milestone for us. However, our office space posed logistical challenges due to its size limitations. Enter Jayne Foster and JM, who offered us access to one of their spacious training rooms. JM’s facility not only provided ample space but also ensured ease of access for our volunteers, with some even able to walk to the venue. The facilities exceeded our expectations, offering an ideal setting for our training course.
Christmas holds a special place in our hearts at HSRBSC, as we remain dedicated to supporting families year-round, particularly during the holiday season when financial pressures can weigh heavily. The employees at JM have consistently shown remarkable kindness towards HSRBSC families, especially during this festive period, where their dedication to spreading joy shines through. They have adapted admirably to challenges brought about by the pandemic, and their generosity knows no bounds, as evidenced by their response to our list of children’s ages, by purchasing age-appropriate gifts online, ensuring each gift was carefully selected and delivered. Seeing the delight on children’s faces as they receive these gifts serves as a touching reminder of the incredible sense of community we are privileged to be a part of.
We are immensely grateful for the enduring partnership with the compassionate individuals at JM. Their unwavering support not only brightens the lives of the families we help but also strengthens the fabric of our community.
A Special Tribute at the Home-Start Awards 2023
We are thrilled to share the fantastic news from the Home-Start Volunteer Awards 2023, held online on the 18th of January, 2024.
While our nominee for the Corporate Volunteer category may not have clinched the top prize, they have achieved something equally commendable—an Extra Applause. This recognition resonates deeply with the remarkable dedication and efforts of our nominee, Jayne Foster.
Jayne, an outstanding corporate volunteer from JM, has been a true champion for HSRBSC over the past four years, dedicating her time and energy to support our cause in various capacities.
Her contributions to our organisation have been diverse and invaluable. Jayne’s impact has been profound, from spearheading initiatives such as our Christmas Giving Tree campaign, which brings joy and support to vulnerable families during the festive season, to leveraging her corporate network to raise awareness about our events and campaigns. Her willingness to go above and beyond, even during challenging times, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to our charity.
In addition to celebrating Jayne’s contributions, we must extend our heartfelt gratitude to JM for their steadfast support. As a leader in sustainable technologies, JM’s values closely align with our mission at HSRBSC. Their ongoing support, both financially and through the provision of facilities for our activities, has been instrumental in our ability to serve families in our community.
While the glitz and glamour of winning may not be ours this time, the Extra Applause bestowed upon Jayne and JM is a true testament to their dedication and impact. Their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring.
Why is Corporate Funding Important?
Corporate partnerships are important for a number of reasons. They provide another platform to promote awareness of our services and the support we offer to our local community. They help to raise our profile, offering increased exposure to other potential businesses, philanthropists, or individuals who may want to support our cause in many different ways – attending our events, volunteering, donating – money, time, resources, or skills.
Navigating the rocky road of the charity sector requires charities to be flexible and responsive. In order to achieve this, charities need to be able to adapt and change, reflecting the changing requirements of those people in the local community that they are supporting. Regular planned income enables this kind of planning and development, meaning we can listen to our families and volunteers and help provide the services that they say will make a difference to them.
What does Home-Start do with this kind of Funding?
An increase in funding has allowed us to be able to set up a new Family Support Group in the South Cambridgeshire area. This group, which is now thriving, provided an important opportunity for families to come together in a safe place, supporting children’s development, learning, and early socialisation.
Although our charity relies on the support of local volunteers in order for us to fulfil our aims, running a voluntary organisation still incurs costs. Each of our three Family Support Groups costs upwards of £9k to run per year. Additionally, our Home-Visiting service, which offers invaluable weekly visits from trained volunteers to families, costs around £2,000 per family for nine months of support.
Furthermore, it takes approximately £600 to recruit and train a new Home-Visiting volunteer. Volunteers are the backbone of our charity, and having a regular income from a charity partner enables us to invest in their training and development. We allocate resources to recruit, train, and continually support our volunteers, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the families they serve. Support of a local business can help nurture a community of dedicated volunteers who are committed to making a difference.
How Your Business Can Get Involved
We’re always on the lookout for new opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and individuals who share our passion for supporting families and strengthening communities. Partnering with HSRBSC not only provides a sense of fulfilment but also yields tangible benefits for your business:
Community Engagement: Partnering with us demonstrates your commitment to giving back to the community, and enhancing your business’s reputation locally.
Employee Engagement: Engaging with a local charity like HSRBSC can foster a sense of pride and purpose among your employees, boosting morale and retention.
Positive Brand Perception: Supporting charitable causes can enhance your brand’s image and appeal to customers who value corporate social responsibility.
According to a report by The Charities Aid Foundation, “a significant portion of British adults are more inclined to support businesses that donate to charitable causes”. By partnering with us, you not only make a difference in the lives of local families but also enhance your business’s public perception.
If you’re interested in learning more about our charity and exploring partnership opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and parents in our community. Let’s work together to create brighter futures for families in need. Contact us today to find out how you can get involved!
Together we can make a positive change in the lives of children – because childhood can’t wait.