We're not really a "big cheque" kind of organisation, but we thought it might be nice to write a short post about the charities we donated to this year.
The way it works is that each member of staff at environmentjob.co.uk chooses a charity for their share of the company's donation.
This year we gave £1,850 each to Everyone Can, Beam, St Petrock's and The Magpie Project. Yes, there are only 4 of us. We’re a very small company!
Everyone Can
Everyone Can helps disabled people through the power of technology. Through training and assistive technology they help disabled people to speak, control their environment, gain independence and have fun!
They offer a range of free services at their Technology and Gaming Centre in Manchester, as well as travelling around the UK to help. They carry out 1-1 assessments where they find out how a person's disability affects them performing everyday tasks such as talking, accessing a laptop or even switching on their lights. They then match technology to their needs to help them achieve these tasks. They also provide free gaming sessions for disabled children and adults at their centre. With multi-player and accessible gaming stations, disabled gamers can socialise, make friends and ensure everyone feels included.
Beam
Beam is a social enterprise that crowdfunds job training for homeless people.
It's safe and easy for members of the public to support a homeless person's campaign, which will help them to secure stable, paid work in their dream career. You can also send a message of encouragement when you donate to someone, becoming part of their new support network. Since launching in 2017, Beam has crowdfunded more than £1m in donations and supported nearly 400 homeless people on their journey into employment.
St Petrock's
St Petrock's is an Exeter based charity that works with people who are street homeless, vulnerably housed (sleeping on friends' floors, hostels, B&B's) and people who are at risk of becoming homeless. Many of their clients have become socially excluded, and many also have complex or overlapping needs such as mental or emotional health issues, addictions or a learning or physical disability.
Their work tackles not only the issues of homelessness but also the accompanying factors, such as anti-social behaviour and wider social inclusion issues.
The Magpie Project
Working in the London Borough of Newham, The Magpie Project is a community project providing help to parents and children under five at risk of homelessness. They offer advice & support, a nappy and & children's clothes bank, indoor & outdoor play, art activities and healthy lunches.
If you're interested in finding out more about these organisations and the amazing work they do, check out their websites and social media!