SUMMER 2019 - sjpfoundation.co.uk/media/Files/S/... · Playbus has to offer local families. Claire Lindsay, Playbus Project Manager said, “It’s been so wonderful to hear how much

Panathlon

SUMMER 2019

I N T H I S I S S U E

Young Gloucestershire

Hackney Playbus

The Life of a Rep

Fundraising Highlights

Our Community

Upcoming Events

01285 878037 www.sjpfoundation.co.uk

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Welcome to the Summer edition of Foundation for 2019

Dear Colleagues,

The year is flying by and we’re already seven months in to 2019. I’m delighted to say that since our last newsletter we have continued to progress and there have been some exciting events across the community and we have supported even more fantastic charities.

We have raised £6.2m so far this year and on track to reach our target by the end of the year. In particular, we had a very busy May with our annual Trek, Cycle and Big Walk, all taking place. All three events had more of our community taking part than ever

before and have broken all previous fundraising records for these events, you can read more about them later in this newsletter.

Our monthly giving/covenant scheme continues to be a key part of our fundraising and has already generated £1.7m (with matching) so far this year. I’m also delighted to say that we have made it easier to sign up, having launched the online giving platform in June. Please do read how monthly giving really does makes a difference on page 3.

Central to everything are the charities we support and the lasting difference our grants make to many charities. We have given out a total value of £6.4m, which includes monies committed as part of our multi-year grant awards. Some amazing charities, as featured in this issue, include Young Gloucestershire and The Hackney Playbus.

I also recently attended the London regional final of the Panathlon challenge (front cover picture), a

charity we have supported for a number of years. An inspirational day seeing the excitement, enthusiasm and joy of those young people taking part in this sporting event.

It was particularly poignant as it was Georgie Hart’s (who some of you may recall was on the stage at the ACM back in January) last event as she leaves school this year. As Georgie’s mum said at the ACM, Panathlon has given Georgie, “friends, confidence and a future” – priceless!

I hope you enjoy this issue and thank you for your continued support and generosity. Together we are reaching out to more and more people to make a truly positive and lasting difference to those who need the help.

Catherine Ind Head of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation.

1.4m people directly supported through our grant giving since 1992

£6.4m given out in grants so far this year to charities supporting hundreds of people

£86.53m*

raised since 199287%

of our community are giving monthly

Our achievements so far in 2019

£6.2m* so far this year

*Including matching

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To say my childhood was a bit rough is an understatement. My mum has her troubles: alcohol,

abusive relationships – she kicked me out at 16. I spent the next few years ‘sofa surfing’ and in

supported housing. I had fallen in with the wrong crowd and got myself into debt. Finally, at 20,

my auntie took me in and helped me find Young Gloucestershire.

My only wish is that I found YG sooner. I can’t tell you how amazing their support has been. Keeping me busy on programmes, helping me work

through my emotions with counselling and preparing me for an exciting future. The staff feel like family to

me now. It’s been life changing.

I have gone from angry, messed up and lost, to positive, excited and proud.

I am currently studying a short childcare course with PATA and volunteering at a local nursery. I have a place at college in September to continue my studies

and cannot wait. Before YG I would always say I can’t do it. Now I say, ‘go for it’!

“

”

Supporting young people’s mental health

Young Gloucestershire received a multi-year grant of £92,856 over three years from the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation for their ‘Linked Up’ project. The project offers one-to-one support to help young people aged 16-25 with a mental illness, discover practical ways of coping and gain an overall improvement of their wellbeing.

Tish had a really unsettled childhood that left her with low confidence and no qualifications.

The Linked Up project enables young people to address their emotional needs through one-to-one counselling. Without the project young people find themselves facing long waiting times for support through the NHS or often do not meet the threshold for child and adolescence or adult mental health services. The Linked Up project is able to offer additional support to young people on YG’s other programmes enabling an all-round approach to addressing their physical, educational and emotional needs.

Young Gloucestershire is just one example of our multi-year major grantees who are supported by our monthly covenant giving. To help more charities like YG, please follow the link below to either sign up or uplift your current gift.

https://portal.sjp.co.uk/intranet/form/charitable-foundation/giving-scheme

https://www.youngglos.org.uk

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Hackney Playbus is a small charity that believes all children under five should share the same opportunities to grow, thrive, and reach their potential. The charity’s mission is to provide play, learning and support to socially-excluded families in East London, to encourage children’s early years development, and to strengthen families and communities.

The charity runs free stay-&-play sessions for families with babies and young children using a double-decker bus that has been turned into an early-years play space, so that play and learning experiences can be driven directly out into the community. The Playbus parks in housing estates and public parks, offering a wide range of opportunities for children to explore

and learn through play, and a chance for parents and carers to connect with one another in their local community.

One parent said, “Coming to these sessions has been the best thing I think I have done since having my son. I love the relaxed atmosphere and feel so comfortable here. My son has also really grown in confidence at the sessions.”

Funding from St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation will support Hackney Playbus to reach out to all parts of the local community and make sure that those most in need of support are able to access the charity’s service. Outreach activities include working closely with temporary housing services, health professionals and other partners, running pop-up events in laundrettes and other community settings, and

developing a volunteering programme to help raise awareness of what Hackney Playbus has to offer local families.

Claire Lindsay, Playbus Project Manager said, “It’s been so wonderful to hear how much families value their time at Hackney Playbus. It’s just magical to know that parents, carers and children are joining in our play sessions, having brilliant fun, picking up new ideas, making important friendships, and all the while learning about what else is happening in their local community. We love it!”

Hackney Playbus runs weekly sessions in four locations in Hackney and appears at various community and festival events throughout the year. For more information about the charity head to http://www.hackneyplaybus.org.

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OUR COMMUNITY

The life of a Charitable Foundation Representative – Adam Myers, Kingsway

One of our Reps shares what it is like to be a part of the Foundation:

“I decided to become a Rep because I am very passionate about the work of the Charitable Foundation. It is special to be able to help people and be part of something bigger. St. James’s Place is a strong community and the Foundation is very much a part of that. I find that concentrating on something other than money is a positive and helps to feed the soul.

I have been doing this for two-and-half years and try to put on three events in the Kingsway office each year. My role as a Rep takes up around four hours each week - this time can be a mixture of planning events, looking over local office applications (LOA), thinking about how to reach Partners or management and strategising on how we can make our impact even bigger.

The most common question I get asked is ‘I want to fund a charity; how can you help?’. I walk the Partner through the process and make sure that I do my due diligence and checks to decide this is a charity we can fund. We have been able to help some amazing small charities who are appreciative no matter how much we are able to give.

My most memorable moment so far was hosting a table at the London Children of Courage Event. It was a special night with some amazing children and it was a great opportunity for me to show my wife what I get up to when I’m not at home!

The Charitable Foundation is a great opportunity to be a part of something bigger and hear stories from incredibly passionate people. There is one story that sticks out in my mind; at our

National Committee Meetings we regularly receive presentations from representatives of the charities applying for Major Grants. On this occasion we heard a fundraiser explain that she became disillusioned being a TV producer for the likes of Celebrity Big Brother; surely there had to be more to life than listening to meaningless conversations with people that liked the sound of their own voices! So, she quit her job, went travelling, helped a charity project building schools and returned to the UK to set up Child’s i (a charity funded by the Foundation). Her enthusiasm and zest for life was infectious.

I find my role as a Rep both frustrating and rewarding but it is something I am passionate about and I hope that we can make a difference in people’s lives through our fundraising.

If you’re considering volunteering, getting involved in an event or becoming a Rep – you won’t regret it!”

To find out more about what is happening near you, visit: https://portal.sjp.co.uk/intranet/page/foundation/events/upcoming-events

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FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS

The St. James’s Place community were as generous and commited as ever in their fundraising for three big Foundation events this year, Montenegro Trek, Big Walk and the Vienna to Prague Cycle Challenge, raising collectively in excess of £250,000* (excluding matching).

“Just under 70 trekkers from the SJP community tackled three stunning peaks surrounding the beautiful Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. We walked over 40 miles and over 120,000 steps each over the weekend of 3-5 of May. Although the weather gave us everything from torrential rain to hot sunshine, everyone came back with a fantastic sense of achievement and wonderful memories. Every year just keeps getting better and better.”

Stuart Kingsley – Trek Event Host

“This was a real challenge but the stunning views, camaraderie and sense of achievement made the unpredictable glorious/dreadful weather and the tired legs absolutely worth it.

What a brilliant way to make new friends and accomplish things I didn’t think I’d manage – and all for a great cause.”

Jessica Day – Trek 2019 Participant

“As someone who has been fortunate enough to take part in the last six Foundation Overseas Treks, believe me when I say, don’t miss out on these opportunities to help change people’s lives – all at the same time as spending quality time with quality people in quality places!”

Garry Atack – Trek 2019 Participant

Montenegro Trek Three Peaks

*Total figure as of June 2019.

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“The 2019 cycle challenge from Vienna to Prague was an unprecedented event for the SJP community with 135 cyclists covering a distance of 360 kilometres over three days.

We were fortunate to have the only good weather during that week (sandwiched between snow and rain) plus a tail wind.

The route was stunning; a hybrid of remote countryside coupled with cosmopolitan cities - all steeped in history. Naturally, the shared experience of all made for a wonderful sense of camaraderie and collective achievement.

Roll on Tuscany 2020!”

Kate Roberts – Cycle Event Host

“I’m so glad I went this year as the event far exceeded my expectations. The event was brilliant from start to finish, very well organised and I’ve met some fantastic people along the way!”

John Rutterford – Cycle 2019 Participant

“Our journey from Vienna to Prague over beautiful rolling countryside and skirting the banks of the Danube has given me memories I’ll cherish forever. The sense of camaraderie in the group I rode with has lead me to making new friendships. All of this was only surpassed by the sense of pride we all achieved in the amount of money we raised and the personal goals attained.”

Andrew Vaughan – Cycle 2019 Participant

Vienna to Prague Cycle Challenge

Big Walk

“Over 160 walkers enjoyed beautiful weather hiking 30 miles over the Quantock Hills and along the North Somerset coast for the 2019 Big Walk weekend in early May. It was arguably the most beautiful and varied Big Walk location so far. The comradeship, good humour and SJP spirit throughout the event culminated with some truly inspirational personal performances. Here’s to our 10th Big Walk in 2020!”

Brian Tiernan – Big Walk Event Host

“The route of the walk was superb. I was blown away by how stunning it was, and so very varied. Really fabulous. A few of the hills were quite challenging but do-able. After all, it's not called the "Big Walk" for nothing!”

Debra Eves – Big Walk 2019 participant

“Thoroughly enjoyable and I was a little sad when it was all over. The route guidance and support provided was first class. Looking forward to 2020, you can sign me up now!’”

Nic Bennett – Big Walk 2019 Participant

See page 11 to see how you can sign up for these events in 2020.

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OUR COMMUNITY

Around the World – The 4 Trails Challenge

The St. James’s Place 4 Trails Challenge will follow the journey of Tim Proudlock and a relay team as they prepare to take on the formidable four main hiking trails of Hong Kong in October 2019, which covers 298km, with 14,500m of elevation gain. Tim, and the relay team, will be running this in the space of just four days.

“The 4 Trails Challenge brings together a lot of very important aspects of my life, including family, a personal challenge, colleagues, fellow runners and supporters, and importantly, charity. This is something that I hope resonates with others to get involved in any way they can.”

Tim has been involved with the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation since he joined the company and shortly afterwards took on the position as the co-chair in Hong Kong.

“The Charitable Foundation has always stood out for me as one of the core components behind the culture of the business as a whole.”

“I’ve always been passionate about supporting charity, with a focus on those that support abandoned, disabled and otherwise underprivileged children. Many of the trail running races I’ve entered in the past have supported charity, and this has always encouraged me to get involved.”

The 298km ultra-marathon with 14,500m elevation gain includes the Maclehose trail (100km), the Wilson trail (78km), the Lantau trail (70km) and the Hong Kong trail (50km).

With the support of the St. James‘s Place Charitable Foundation, the challenge will be raising money for some incredible local charities – including the Chicken Soup Foundation, the Love21 Foundation, and the International China Concern – which focus on disabled, abandoned and underprivileged children.

The event will be accompanied by several side events in the lead up to October, including a 24-hour simulated Le Mans race, an inclusive training hike, and visits and days with the respective charities.

For more information on the challenge and how you can help support the great causes behind it, please visithttp://donate4trailschallengeuk.com

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OUR COMMUNITY

Claire Pasquill (Manchester Academy office) shares her story...

“I really enjoy taking part in the Hope and Homes for Children Sprint Triathlon. Each year it gives me motivation to keep fit and support a great cause. This year, I set myself a goal to train harder to improve my previous finish times. I am an avid runner – I regularly train in the gym and I use a personal trainer which allows me to switch off from thinking

about my work. My training was consistent, challenging but also rewarding, and I could see how much more strength and stamina I had compared to last year.

The race is always the greatest part of the challenge. The atmosphere on the day is liberating, the volunteers always very helpful and supportive, and fellow competitors are always very friendly. It is a real team effort!

One thing that really pushed me to keep going was the posters

saying, ‘Do it for Annie’; being able to focus on that picture made me even more determined and brought a tear to my eye as I pushed myself up the final hill of the race.

At the end of the day, we celebrated everyone’s achievements in an awards ceremony. There was such an amazing sense of joy and accomplishment in the room, a feeling that made the hard work worthwhile.”

What is it like to take part in the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation fundraising events?

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RECENT EVENTS

Northern Children of Courage Awards, 2019

The Northern Children of Courage Awards 2019 was held on 17 May at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton. It was another fantastic evening, celebrating the outstanding achievements and bravery of young people across the North East and Cumbria, and the second time the event has taken place. Attended by 300 people and hosted by BBC’s Anna Foster, the event also showcased some local young entertainers who really added to the event’s success.

Next year’s event is planned for 1 May 2020, so please contact Wendy Logan at the Newcastle office to register your interest.

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CHALLENGE YOURSELF IN 2020

Join us on a truly beautiful journey through the very best of rural and untouched Italy. Experience historic cities, stunning river valleys, winding roads through the scenic Tuscan hills, visiting some of Europe's most famous hilltop towns! Enjoy the wonderful Italian food, wine and hospitality. The ride will take us from the world famous tourist spot of Pisa, with its amazing leaning tower on a wonderful voyage across the cornfields and rolling majesty of Tuscany.

To be added to the ‘early bird’ list, please contact [email protected].

Look out for the registration email in September 2019.

Charitable Foundation Overseas Trek 2020 BAVARIA | THURSDAY 10 TO MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

2020 Channel Relay Challenge Update

Join us on this stunning trek through Bavaria. The trek has a combination of high peaks and ridgelines, with pristine woodland connecting small Bavarian villages.

To be added to the ‘early bird’ list, please contact [email protected].

Look out for the registration email in September 2019.

St. James’s Place Foundation has completed the hunt for a team of six willing individuals who are ready to take on the Channel and raise money for good causes.

A big thank you to all those who applied, we were delighted to see such an enthusiastic response to the challenge and received just under seventy applications from across the Partnership and the SJP locations.

Congratulations to Imogen Allard, Jim Cleaver, Gareth Evans, David Makin, Sarah Ruggins, Bethan Rhodes – the six swimmers who will represent the Foundation next year.

Please stay tuned to hear more about their upcoming training sessions!

Charitable Foundation Cycle Challenge 2020 TUSCANY | THURSDAY 4 TO MONDAY 8 JUNE

Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2019

New Dock Hall, Leeds | Friday 11 October

Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards is a truly unique event that combines honouring and recognising courageous young people in Yorkshire with raising funds for the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. Originally launched in 2011, the annual awards dinner is now a significant annual fundraiser and flagship event for the Foundation. The event will be hosted by our ambassador, Christine Talbot from ITV Calendar, and compered by Jon Hammond.

Please contact Jane Clynes 07703 271238 or Rosemary Hepburn 07710 990081 for more information or ticket sales.

Royal Albert Hall, London

Join us for this very special black tie event, held in aid of The St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation

“Bringing together those who dream, with those who can make dreams happen”

the I M P O S S I B L E

On Thursday, 9th July 2020, for one spectacular night, we raise the bar …

… by raising the floor at the Royal Albert Hall!

Dare To Dream – The Impossible 2020

Royal Albert Hall, London | Thursday 9 July

A fantastic event for Partners and their clients in aid of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. The theme of the evening is a Venetian black-tie Masque Ball. Various levels of tables and boxes are available to suit Partners’ requirements. Guests will enjoy a Champagne reception on arrival and full fine-dining experience, and special ‘live’ and ‘silent’ auctions will take place.

Please contact [email protected] for ticket and table enquiries.

St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.Registered in England Number 7819270. Registered Charity Number 1144606.

www.sjpfoundation.co.uk

UPCOMING EVENTS 2019/2020

SJP10086 V6 (07/19)

Last Night Of The Proms 2019

The Garden at Eden, Carlisle | Saturday 12 October

Join us for a magical evening listening to The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra accompanied by the fabulous Soprano Sarah Fox, talented Conductor Tony Kraus and English National Opera Star, Graeme Danby.

For more information and to book, please email [email protected] or [email protected]