Over the past 12 months we set ourselves the task of contributing more to the community around us, supporting initiatives and clients that align with our values and share our passion for worthy causes. Here's how we've got on.
At 6rs, we believe that every business has a role to play in contributing to a better society. As well as being more environmentally-aware, we wanted to be more active in our community and set ourselves the target of getting the team away from the screen for a few days in the year to roll up our sleeves and support some worthwhile initiatives with actions and time, as well as words and financial backing. We’ve also upped our sponsorship budget for community projects. Why? Because this stuff matters to us. And if we can encourage more businesses to do likewise, then we can bring about some positive change.
Getting our hands dirty in the Trust Links garden
Trust Links is an independent charity for mental health and wellbeing, offering therapeutic activities, training and support to people living with mental health conditions. They support around 1500 people in the Southend area. Whilst working with the organisation on their new website we were keen to see how else we could lend some support. So we jumped at the chance (some of us!) to spend some time in their Westcliff site and help with some heavy duty gardening. It was a cold wintry day but the layers soon came off as the team got stuck in to creating a new pathway and clearing the surrounding area.
Up the Rams! – supporting grassroots sports
We were delighted to sponsor the Leigh Ramblers U16 side and support a club that has always had a big role in the local community. As a former player myself, it was great to give something back to an organisation that gave me so many great memories and friendships growing up.
Volunteering at Dandelion Time
We have worked with Kent-based family charity Dandelion Time on their new branding and website this year and got to understand more about the fantastic work they do in helping children and families to recover from abuse and other challenges they have faced. Having collaborated closely with their team to deliver the right platform to showcase the charity’s work, we thought it would be a good idea to spend a day volunteering on their beautiful woodland site. But they didn’t go easy on us! The team threw themselves in to digging trenches and transporting tonnes of hardcore to build soakaways for a new water pipe in the woods. There were tired limbs and lots of smiles, plus the chance to pick wild garlic from the woods that made fantastic pesto! Having spent time at the Dandelion Time site ourselves, we’ve seen first-hand the inspiring environment they have created for young people and families to help them overcome emotional challenges.
Back to school for the 6rs team
We were alerted to the fact that Blenheim Primary School were looking for some support in renovating their pond and wildlife area, which had fallen in to a state of disrepair and wasn’t really safe for children to use. The team took up the challenge of clearing and refilling the pond, as well as smartening up the surrounding area and building a log pile for wildlife.
Thank you so much for all your hard work. The difference is amazing. It will make it a much more enjoyable and safe experience for everyone and I know classes will spend a lot of time out there exploring and having fun!” — Annette Charnock, Blenheim Primary School
It’s always gratifying to help contribute to the ongoing success of charities, organisations and initiatives that are doing such important work in our communities. The team have enjoyed it and as a company we feel a sense of pride in having made a small difference. Well done to everyone involved in the projects this year and we’ll soon be on the look out for some new challenges and worthwhile causes to support. If you have a community project that could use some help then please do get in touch with us at hi@6rs.co.uk
