Chamber Charity Spotlight | St Christopher’s | November 2024
05 November 2024
Charitable work is an excellent way to enhance your businesses CSR, in addition to giving you and your team the “feel good factor”
Every month will be highlighting the propositions and projects of our individual Charity members and educating you on how and why your business might choose to become a supporter. This month we hear from the team at St Christophers.
Tell us about your charity and what your aims are?
St Christopher’s vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.
Since 2004 we have been providing children’s homes, supported housing and specialist support services on the Isle of Man, all designed for young people in care, on the edge of care, or leaving care. We work alongside young people to support their development and grow their confidence to succeed.
What current projects are you undertaking or have in the pipeline?
Our support for young people leaving care is entirely funded by donations.
Support into Employment supports young people residential care at 16 to build the skills they need, navigate the complicated world of job hunting and work through the initial difficulties of starting a new job.
We support young people with Home Starter Kits, essential items needed to move into a new place to enable them to live independently. We also support young people living in the community with Winter Warmth Support Packs helping to support young people during winter.
As the problems facing our young people change, we look at how we can adapt to their needs. We develop new services that are “sector firsts” and refine best practice for children’s social care.
Currently, we are looking for support for the 16+ young people who are transitioning from care to independence which many young people describe as falling off a cliff edge of support. It’s an incredibly difficult period for the young people we work with in addition to the rising costs, they are at risk of homelessness, diminished support systems and loneliness. We are looking for support from corporates to help us with donations for young people struggling in the community like bus passes, phone top up cards, pre-paid shopping cards, and winter fuel crisis pot and home starter packs for young people moving to a new home.
If you know anyone that could support with any of the above, please get in touch.
We appreciate that many charities simply do not have the resource or skills required for example to market themselves, run social media platforms or carry out functions such as HR or accounting. If any Chamber members wished to support your charity by offering some time, what kind of skills would you be appreciative of?
Although we have an amazing comms & marketing team, we are always looking to increase our brand awareness on the Island. We would appreciate any support individuals, organisations and businesses can give us to get our name out there. If you have any expertise or knowledge in this field, we would appreciate your support.
Occasionally, we will also have gardening opportunities at some of our homes and are always happy to support with team building days for local companies.
In addition to the above how can the business community support your charity?
- Employment support - interview skills, CV and Cover Letter writing support.
- Funding – towards support programmes and necessary expenses for the young people.
- Pro-bono – Awareness raising, gardening opportunities etc.
- Gifts in Kind - Christmas gifts and Easter Eggs.
We would love to discuss any synergies and tailor a partnership to be mutually beneficial.
Finally, where can our members find more information or contact you?