On 11th October 2011 St Basils took the opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to local businesses for the tremendous support they continue to give by raising funds, donating time and skills in support of St Basils’ vital services.
Generously hosted by law firm Wragge & Co at its headquarters at Colmore Row, Birmingham, the lunchtime event was attended by over 70 representatives of local companies including: PwC, Barclays Wealth, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Smurfit Kappa, Cobbetts, Perkins Slade, Deloitte, Genting Casinos, BHSF, Frank Haslam Milan, Gateley LLP and many others.
The event was a chance to let the businesses know the impact their support had made over the last year and to inform them about the continuing needs of young people at risk of homelessness. Last year nearly 4000 young people sought assistance from St Basils and over 1000 were housed.
At the event a young person who had experienced homelessness several years ago, inspired the guests by the achievements she had subsequently made in her life. She emphasised the importance of the stability her life had previously lacked as well as time, respect and a listening ear. She had taken advantage of involvement opportunities whilst at St Basils becoming Resident Rep as well as Chair of the Youth Advisory Board. She said this experience gave her the confidence to believe she could succeed in other areas. She now has a home she described as ‘beautiful’ and is completing her third year at University whilst working and looking after her young family.
Quentin Poole, Senior Partner at Wragge & Co, who gifted the use of its conference and catering facilities to St Basils for the event, described St Basils as a great cause helping vulnerable young people. He announced that he will be taking part in the St Basils Big SleepOut on 2nd December 2011 and encouraged those present to do the same by registering for free: www.stbasils.org.uk/sleepout
Jean Templeton, Chief Executive of St Basils, thanked the businesses for their support and commitment, saying “There is a unique relationship in Birmingham between sectors and in particular the City-Centre Business district has a long-standing supportive relationship with St Basils and this is an opportunity for us to put on record how much we appreciate that support”
“ When times are hard, it’s human nature to close in and look after those closest to us...some families and young people don’t have the social, emotional and physical assets to draw on, they rely on our collective effort to support them. We know that homelessness nationally is increasing and that Youth Homelessness in particular always increases during tough economic times when families are under pressure. It is important therefore that we continue to work collectively to give our most vulnerable young people the opportunity of a home and a job.”
Added October 2011
