Irwin Mitchell Supports Six Local Organisations As Part Of Nationwide Initiative

Six charities across Hampshire are set for a festive funding boost this Christmas thanks to an annual tradition arranged by law firm Irwin Mitchell to support the homeless.

The Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF) has provided donations to homeless charities across the UK for several years, with the body giving each of the law firm’s regional offices funds that they can donate to organisations of their choice.

This year, IMCF has taken the step of tripling the funding available, which means that a total of £39,000 will be given to good causes all over the country.

As part of the initiative, Irwin Mitchell’s Southampton office has received £3,000 of funding to share with charities. Equal donations are set to be provided to the Society of St James, the Sunday Lunch Project, Trinity Winchester, Winchester Churches Nightshelter, Hope for Food and Lifehouse.

Each of the organisations carries out incredible work to support homeless individuals across the region, whether that is through providing free meals, clothing, emotional support or accommodation to those in need.

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“As a firm we have always been committed to getting involved and having an impact in the communities where we are based and this initiative is a great example of that.

While so many of us are looking forward to Christmas and time with our family and friends, it is an unfortunate truth that it can be an incredibly difficult time for many people. We are delighted to be continuing the tradition of supporting organisations which help the homeless and hope these donations will prove to be a big boost as they all continue the amazing work that they do.” Guy Darlaston - Partner & London Head of Asbestos and Occupational Disease

Denis O'Shea chairman Southampton Sunday Lunch Project, said: “In previous years Irwin Mitchell, Southampton have been very generous to our charity and supported us financially. This has been a huge help to us, as we are a small charity and depend on such generosity.

In recent years Irwin Mitchell staff have attended our Southampton Sunday lunches and helped serve and enjoy time with our customers. They clearly have a heart for people and it is wonderful to see busy professional people making time to serve and care for people in need.

At our weekly Sunday lunches we see the 'visible ' homeless that many see on our streets and we also see many more 'invisible' homeless people that exist and hide quietly in very poor accommodation and in very lonely circumstances.

For most of our customers Christmas is a more difficult time than usual and your support allows our volunteers to offer a place of rest, comfort, and company to people in need and not just for Christmas.”

Michele Price, Chief Executive of Winchester Churches Nightshelter, said: “Far more than just a safe place to stay for the night, Winchester Churches Nightshelter offers people the opportunity to turn their lives around.

Our staff provide one-to-one support to each individual to help them find a path forward to a more secure future. Each year we provide support and shelter to around 100 people, our vital service is only made possible thanks to our loyal supporters. We would like to thank Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF) for their support and generous donation this Christmas.”

Tony Keall, operations director for the Society of St. James, said: “We are grateful to Irwin Mitchell for this donation. Every year SSJ raises money to provide a Christmas meal and/or gift for the vulnerable and homeless that we work with in Hampshire.

"This comes at a very difficult time for many of the people accessing our services and we are often the only support network they have.  Irwin Mitchell's donation will give a major boost to our campaign.”  

Read more about the Society of St. James Christmas campaign

Mike Morell, Chair of Trustees at The LifeHouse, said: "We, at the LifeHouse, aim to target immediate needs and issues surrounding homelessness and addiction for those in need in Southsea and Portsmouth. We are a not-for-profit charity.  Our volunteer team are experienced and caring people who aim to create an environment of compassion and care, where people feel they belong, are accepted and where they can build a sense of self-worth and confidence. 

At the moment we are providing some 140-150 hot meals per week and takeaways for the homeless, underhoused, unemployed, incapacitated and recovering addicts.  Also clothing, warm coats, sleeping bags, shoes and equipment as wells as food parcels, hairdressing and counselling services.  In 2020 we look to increase our capacity and range of our services to the community.  As a charity we are entirely funded by donations."

Find out more on the Lifehouse website or Facebook page