CASE STUDIES
Challenge Calendar Activities
Jubilee River, Riverside Project A great facility for local people to enjoy the river, learn to row and enjoy a healthy outdoor activity.
In May 2016, SBCP was approached by Jamie Green from the Riverside Project to help with some major improvements to help with the storage of the rowing boats and to extend the landing stages. The ground was very uneven and prone to flooding which was not ideal for the movement and storage of the boats. There was only one landing stage that did not accommodate the larger boats that had to load and unload the rowers in two separate stages.
After visiting the Project, Bob Jones, Partnership Manager, looked for the expertise within SBCP’s membership for companies that would have the right level of expertise to undertake what were major tasks. Enquiries were made and through SBCP’s Principal Partners, Heathrow Airport, Dyer & Butler were identified as contractors who could help with the ground works. We also approached SEGRO who have considerable experience in construction and ‘in house’ knowledge.
A visit was arranged for the companies to see what was required and to meet Jamie who has plenty of enthusiasm, great ideas but little resources or money. A date was set in June for the work to be done and the planning began.
As the ground work was a key activity Dyer & Butler decided to spread the work over a week and also agreed to make a disabled access to the site and a patio area for visitors to the Project. SEGRO incorporated their activities into the ‘Corporate Day of Giving’ and their Team worked on a way to save rainwater (there is no running water on the site), extending the landing stage and painting a larger container for the storage of equipment.
The two companies achieved so much in the time allocated and the difference has helped Jamie to be able offer a better experience for all local residents to enjoy and relax. The two Teams of volunteers were able to see the difference that they had made and both companies were rewarded by receiving a special award at SBCP’s Annual Conference held in November.
Barclays –raising awareness of local issues
The two Barclays Volunteers on a well-earned break
Barclays have supported many projects in Slough. One of them has been at Slough Homeless Our Concern (SHOC) – a local homeless charity in Slough. A duo from Barclays volunteers at their daycentre for a day helping to serve clients and help out in the kitchen.
Mandy McGuire from SHOC said “We were really pleased to welcome two volunteers from Barclays to our daycentre. We had them helping out on the front line in the kitchen where they got to meet our service users. They helped to serve breakfast, lunch and teas and coffees to our clients and I believe developed a real understanding of homelessness.”
MENTORING
A chance for individuals in business to exchange their skills with the community.
Alan Bickley, Director CSO EMEA, explained what he gets out of being a mentor:
“The Business Mentoring Programme presented an excellent opportunity for me to share ideas and experiences and gain exposure to areas I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to work on in my day to day working environment. This programme has allowed me to add depth and breadth to my current skillset as well as helping me gain a better understanding of the voluntary sector. I have personally found the mentoring sessions particularly enjoyable and rewarding and I highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to forward their careers”.
Louise Jones (Alan’s Mentee) tells us how the Mentoring Programme helped her and the Volunteer Centre:
“Bob Jones from the SBCP worked with me and my mentor prior to matching us to ensure a good match, I have personally felt the benefits in my role as CEO of the Volunteer Bureau, particularly in the areas relating to strategic development, project planning and resource management and would recommend the scheme to other groups and to potential mentees”
Helen Richardson, Category Development Manager at Mars Chocolate UK tells us of her experience of supporting a local homeless charity – SHOC:
Over the last 12 months I have really enjoyed working as a charity mentor with SHOC. I find working with SHOC very fulfilling and rewarding but it also helps my personal development by providing me with opportunities to use my skills in a new and totally distinctive environment.
SHOC helps some of the most vulnerable members of the local community and it’s been fantastic to play a role in supporting them in the work that they do.