National Law Firm Announces Good Causes To Benefit From Annual Fundraising Drive

Leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell has revealed a new line-up of good causes it will be supporting through its Charities of the Year (COTY) programme for 2019.

A range of organisations including a rape and sexual abuse centre, a youth suicide prevention service, an art school for children with learning disabilities, two hospices and a pop up gym for people with disabilities have been selected to benefit from the law firm’s COTY initiative.

The 12 month annual programme sees staff in each of the firm’s 13 UK offices vote for a good cause in the local vicinity to support through a range of fundraising events and voluntary work.

The initiative is part of the work of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF) an independent charity founded in 1997 which has since raised over £1.8 million for charities in the UK and abroad.

Adrian Budgen, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell and Trustee of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation, said:  

Expert Opinion

Irwin Mitchell and its employees are passionate about fundraising for good causes through the IMCF.

For over 20 years now their support has helped fund an incredible number of projects which have benefitted local people and communities across the UK. Helping good causes has become part of who we are as a business and we’re excited to see if we can raise even more for this year’s charities. Adrian Budgen - Partner

Irwin Mitchell’s charities of the year for 2019 are:

Birmingham - Papyrus UK is a suicide prevention charity which provides confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person. It also helps others to prevent youth suicide by working with and training professionals, campaigning and influencing national policy.

Bristol – Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS) provides support to people in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Somerset, who have experienced rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. 

Cambridge – Rowan runs a range of art and craft classes for people with learning disabilities. The stimulating experience it offers students helps build confidence as well as develop social and communication skills. This is the second year running that Rowan has been selected as Irwin Mitchell’s COTY in Cambridge.

Chichester – Dementia Support will receive Irwin Mitchell’s support for the third year running after colleagues decided to continue raising funds for the ‘Dementia Hub’ which opened in early 2017. Now fully operational the charity’s new hub is bringing local dementia services under one roof and provides the latest support, information, advice and activities to those living with dementia.

Gatwick – St Catherine’s Hospice has been selected by colleagues for a second year running after one of Irwin Mitchell’s security contractors received end of life care at the hospice in 2018 before he sadly passed away. St Catherine’s provides care to people across West Sussex and East Surrey with the ambition of helping everyone face death in an informed, supported and pain-free manner.

Glasgow – Teenage Cancer Trust (Scotland) supports young people aged between 13 and 24, living with cancer. It creates world-class cancer services for young people in the UK, providing life-changing care and support so young people don’t have to face cancer alone.

Leeds – SNAPS (Special Needs And Parent Support) provides leisure support services for children with special needs of all kinds, and their families. Its aim is to support the entire family, by enabling the child, along with siblings, parents and other carers to participate in a shared experience of physical activity, fun and conversation in relaxed surroundings, supported by professional and dedicated staff.

London – Spread A Smile aims to improve the lives of seriously ill children and teenagers in hospitals by providing entertainment including fairies, magicians, face-painters, singers, therapy dogs, children’s characters, celebrities and theatre visits. It liaises with staff in five London hospitals to ensure every visit is personalised for each child it sees.

Manchester - The Christie Charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. Donations from businesses and the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment patients receiving care at The Christie, a specialist cancer hospital, is able to provide to patients and their families.

Newbury – Loose Ends is a drop-centre serving food to the homeless and vulnerable. It is run by over 80 volunteers who serve on average 140 meals a week and give over 6,000 hours a year of their time to helping Loose Ends. The preparation and serving of healthy, hot meals is the charity’s main function but it also offers groceries, tins, toiletries and clean clothes to all those in need. 

Newcastle – Pop Up Gym offers a service with specialist gym equipment designed specifically for wheelchair users with all types of conditions. Its gym in Gateshead enables members to exercise in a pleasant environment with the support of qualified trainers.

Sheffield – Weston Park Cancer Charity raises around £2million each year to improve the lives of people living with cancer. Weston Park Hospital is the region’s only specialist cancer hospital, providing care for thousands of patients across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire.

Southampton – The Rowans Hospice is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. It offers specialist support wherever it is needed, at the Hospice, at home and in the local community.