How law firm and charity are championing community transformation on Teesside
NEWS
The Hope Foundation ’ s Sue Kearney ( right ) with Helen Robinson of Womble Bond Dickinson .
Where there ’ s Hope
How law firm and charity are championing community transformation on Teesside
Law firm Womble Bond Dickinson ( WBD ) has joined forces with the Hope Foundation to help the Teesside charity ’ s initiatives dedicated to empowering local people by providing them with the tools they need to succeed .
As a keen supporter of the region and its businesses , WBD has established a reputation for using its local , national and international reach to provide legal advice to clients on some of the region ’ s most significant projects .
Sarah Daun , a partner at WBD and Teesside lead for corporate social responsibility ( CSR ), said : “ I am delighted that we are working with the Hope Foundation as the chosen charity for our office in Teesside .
“ At WBD , we know how important it is to make a positive difference to the communities in which we work . We focus on supporting charities that further education , employability and social inclusion , so working with Sue Kearney and the team at the Hope Foundation is really exciting for us . We can ’ t wait to develop our relationship with them and support the local community .”
Based in Middlesbrough , the Hope Foundation has been providing support to those in need since 1995 , broadly through the provision of three core services : digital , wellbeing and learning .
Digital : A key aim of the charity is the provision of technical support and devices to those who might otherwise be left behind , so they can excel in the digital world .
To further this aim , the Hope Foundation has a digital library , cybercafé and YouTube channel , while the charity has also been fundamental in the creation of FurbdIT , a partnership with the goal of reducing digital poverty . It does so by collecting unwanted IT devices , refurbishing them and providing them to those members of the community most in need .
Wellbeing : The charity has established a community café that serves as a hub for learning , interaction and nourishment . Although the café is a central hub , the charity also actively supports people to overcome difficulties in their lives , encourages a healthy lifestyle , provides a warm space and social activities , while helping to connect people to the wider community through quality information , advice and guidance .
Learning : Education is a cornerstone of personal development . To help level up the local community , the Hope Foundation offers , through a partnership with Middlesbrough College , fully funded and accredited qualifications in English , Maths and IT , from beginner level up to Level 2 ( GCSE equivalent ). Most of those attaining the qualifications progress to further learning and / or paid employment .
WBD and The Hope Foundation One critical aspect of the new partnership is raising awareness and facilitating
PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH
fundraising . By utilising the firm ’ s expertise and networks , WBD aims to help the Hope Foundation garner attention and expand its reach and impact .
Having recently expanded its office at the Wilton Centre , near Redcar , the partnership with the Hope Foundation further consolidates WBD ’ s commitment to the region .
Helen Robinson , a managing associate in the planning and infrastructure team at WBD , commented : “ As a born and bred Teessider , with a passion for enhancing the education and wellbeing of those in need on Teesside , I am thrilled to work for a firm that appreciates all that the Hope Foundation is doing .
“ The partnership between WBD and the Hope Foundation is a testament to the power of collaboration between the corporate and non-profit sectors . It underscores the potential impact that can be achieved when entities come together with a common vision to improve the local community .”
On the partnership , the charity ’ s CEO Sue Kearney said : “ This is an exciting new partnership for the Hope Foundation , and we are encouraged that WBD have chosen to support us in this way .
“ The added value of businesses and charities coming together to look at creative solutions for social problems cannot be underestimated . The local community will directly benefit from the expertise and resources this joint working and shared vision brings . We are looking forward to what can be achieved together .”
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