Originally from Yorkshire, I came to study at Birmingham University and never left! I am an employment solicitor at Bevan Brittan LLP where I trained and have worked for the last 5 years.
How / what is your inspiration?
I was encouraged from a young age by my family and teachers to get involved in fundraising and voluntary work. I worked for a year in Namibia before university and got such a lot out of the experience, I have continued to do voluntary work since then. I think it’s important to get involved in your local community, and to contribute your experience and time.
Which / what type of organisation are you involved in?
I am a member of the Birmingham Future Community Development Committee (CDC). As part of this, I recently helped organise the St Mary’s Hospice Shop Window Challenge for Valentine’s Day. The Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for over 1,000 people each year suffering from life-limiting illnesses such as Cancer, Motor Neurone Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
What prompted you to get involved in volunteering?
I was involved in CSR work through Bevan Brittan, which included running workshops and teaching in schools, and activity days painting a school. I wanted to develop my involvement in local community work in Birmingham further and to meet new people, so joined CDC!
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
Birmingham Future CDC is a new committee, and everybody is very enthusiastic. Through CDC I have begun to understand just how many opportunities there are in Birmingham for people to get involved with voluntary organisations at all levels. There is something for everyone, no matter what your interest.
For the St Mary’s Challenge, I was the CDC team captain so got to plan the event. I’m not sure I’d make it through the first round of The Apprentice, but it was good fun and the judges liked the results!
Who have you met while volunteering?
Lots of lovely enthusiastic and dedicated people – nobody famous though..yet!
What project are you working on at the moment / would like to highlight?
I am liaising with Career Academies about opportunities to support local students work with local businesses to support their studies.
The CDC is hoping to organise another Shop Window Challenge – this time for local companies to sponsor a window and then decorate it themselves. If anybody would be interested in putting a team in for such an event, please contact me on the email below for more information.
Why should others get involved?
The Shop Window Challenge is a great way to have some fun away from the office, pitch your artistic skills against some of your colleagues and competitors, and most importantly to meet some great people and give some time to the community.
If you are interested in any future Shop Window Challenges that are organised by Birmingham Future’s Community Development Committee, please contact Chloe on chloe.edwards@bevanbrittan.com.
