NSPCC urges West Midlands firms to help end child abuse

The NSPCC is calling on SMEs across the West Midlands to sign up to its new initiative and help end the abuse and neglect of future generations of children and young people throughout the region.

Partners In Business is seeking SMEs, entrepreneurs and microbusinesses who want to support the charity’s vital work through donations, one-off events or a year of fundraising.

Many organisations have already signed up to the Partners In Business initiative, which offers support, guidance and inspiration for up to 12 months, while sharing information about new and existing NSPCC campaigns and services in the region.

Nathan Shrubb (pictured), NSPCC Partners In business manager, urged small to medium sized businesses across the West Midlands to find out more about the new scheme.

He said: “The NSPCC’s work with children and families across the UK is vital, and we rely on donations and fundraising for the majority of our funding.

“That’s why partnerships with businesses of all sizes are so important to ensuring we can continue to be there for children and fight to end abuse and neglect.

“Becoming a Partner In Business means even the smallest businesses – from gardeners and florists to a ‘man with a van’ or a dog walker – can help us make a difference.

“By signing up to raise vital funding for us, either with a one-off event or a full 12 months of challenges and fundraisers, you'll be helping us bring a local focus to our national campaigns and ensuring we can do all we can to support children and young people.”

Every £50 raised could support parents and families for two hours, £500 could fund a Helpline practitioner to give 22 hours of support to adults concerned about a child’s wellbeing, while £4,800 could recruit, train and support three new Childline volunteers to speak directly to young people in their darkest hours.

Businesses which sign up to the new initiative will receive fundraising advice and support from experts within the NSPCC, who ensure fundraising activities are fun, inclusive and successful.

They will also receive regular updates on the charity’s work in the region, showing evidence of the impact of their efforts, and access to an online hub where they can download fundraising resources and assets to show their support as an NSPCC Partner In Business.

Marcus Phoenix, director of Edgbaston-based Candy Castle Animation Ltd, who considers himself “a massive advocate” for the NSPCC, says he is grateful to the charity’s volunteers and staff “who do so much to help protect the future generations from cruelty.”

Marcus said: “The Partners in Business programme makes it easier to be aware of the ways that you can support the NSPCC and have access to all the materials you'd need to make an impact.

“I encourage everyone to sign up because a child you might know could at some point need support to cope and deal with whatever's happened to them. It is our responsibility collectively to ensure that children are protected and cared for.”

Click here to find out more about Partners In Business and how you can support the NSPCC.