Last month, VCH were delighted to accompany staff from The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) to the Mayor of London Volunteering Awards, to receive a well-deserved Business in Action Award. These awards celebrate the huge contribution that volunteers make across London, supporting a huge array of causes, groups and residents.
Since late 2018, Volunteer Centre Hackney has been working with DTCC’s London team to help their staff to volunteer and make a difference in Hackney. What began as a one-off corporate volunteering activity to help tidy and clear green spaces in Mare Street has developed into a longer term partnership where VCH has helped to match DTCC staff with a range of charities who need their help.
‘It was a really enjoyable day and we had lots of positive feedback from it (and excellent prints!). DTCC volunteers were all very friendly and engaged .’ Headway staff
From spreading joy at The Stroke Project’s Christmas party to cheering on Hackney children at Young Hackney’s Personal Best event this July, over 50 volunteers have given over 300 hours of time, skills and support to local charities including St Joseph’s Hospice, Hackney Park’s Team and Headway East London.
This support has enabled local residents, many of whom may have mental health needs or ongoing medical conditions to access a range of new opportunities. This has brought people together to enjoy activities that improve their wellbeing, physical and mental health, make new connections as well as helping charities to raise vital income to run their programmes.
‘I really enjoyed trying new things, such as foraging and meeting new people with shared interests, I was nervous but soon felt at ease and was able to move out of my comfort zone and enjoy laughter yoga. It was a great day.’ VCH Wellbeing Festival participant
It’s not only the charities and their beneficiaries who benefit. Volunteering can give corporate volunteers a valuable insight into the daily challenges faced by small voluntary organisations.
‘It was eye opening – I didn’t realise how much work there was behind the scenes.’ Corporate volunteer
Over the last few months, as well as DTCC, several other businesses have given their time to local charities including Inmarsat and B-Reel. Here’s to all our business volunteers who have shared their skills to support our local residents. Thank you!
If you’re interested in finding out more about how your business could help support Hackney residents and charities, or you’re a charity or community group interested in connecting with a group of business volunteers to make a difference to your organisation, get in touch. Please email Charlotte or Krithika at [email protected] or call us on 0207 241 4443.