International Volunteers Day reminds us of the importance of volunteers in our heritage and community projects, in raising awareness and money for vital causes and in making a positive impact on the wider world. They can be a force of nature, from supporting and raising money for those in need to changing government legislation on national/international issues. The theme for this year’s International Volunteers Day is Stronger Together and this is definitely the case when we work together for a cause that we believe in. Individually we may feel like a drop in the ocean but positive change often comes from the bottom up and when we come together with like-minded people we can create a better world in which to live.

As budgets are cut across the public sector and grant applications become more competitive, the need for volunteers on both community and heritage projects is greater than ever. Fortunately, private sector companies are playing a bigger part in providing social value and giving back to the community that they are part of whether it be through volunteering their time, pro bono work, apprenticeships or out-reach programmes.

As part of our pledge to make a positive difference to the world in which we live, as well as foster a sense of well-being amongst our staff, Focus created a Volunteer Day Release Scheme last year and are pleased to see that its success is growing and sign up from staff is increasing.

Since its release, our staff have helped several organisations from carrying out traditional Autumnal tasks at Wild Cat Wilderness, Catford, https://bit.ly/3iDELWC to taking part in a fundraising campaign for Human Appeal during EID raising approx. £217,000 in the process. https://bit.ly/3iBytaj

Most recently, following our appointment on The Full Circle a project that unites businesses across Northamptonshire to reduce food waste, Senior Economic Development Consultant George Jones volunteered his time to help at The Veggie Patch, one of the many members on the Full Circle platform, who also seek to support disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community. https://www.daylightcf.org/veggiepatch

Focus actively encourage diversity within the construction and sustainability sector and Project Manager, Florence Andrews has recently been volunteering her time to I Can Be, https://www.icanbe.org.uk/ a charity that introduces children, in this instance primary aged girls, to inspiring professionals and shows them the opportunities that are available, instilling ambition and aspirations from an early age.

As part of our business services, especially National Lottery Heritage Fund projects, but also many others, Focus regularly guides clients in reaching out to the local community especially to local charities in order to give back to the local community.  We conduct research to identify charities and volunteering groups that we believe the client could work alongside in creating and realising the project vision and who would benefit from the project once complete.  We are champions of co-creation, encouraging our projects to embed in the community and develop ideas together, working with rather than presenting to, creating a sustainable impact.  Do get in touch with Eleanor Clarke, Steve Fletcher, Fiona King, Florence Andrews, or Jasmine Chell-Wallis to find out more.