Our support throughout the year has taken many forms, from internal awareness campaigns and employee-led activities to direct support for local charities and community projects.

We began the year by focusing on employee well-being through our Blue Monday awareness initiative, sharing information around available support and creating small moments to lift spirits across the business through our “Hug in a Mug” campaign.

Throughout the year, we also celebrated key awareness days and initiatives, including National Apprenticeship Week, International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day, recognising the importance of supporting and celebrating the people within our own organisation.

Supporting people internally and externally goes hand in hand, and we are proud to continue building a culture that values both.

We also continued our support for charities and organisations that provide essential services within our communities. This included ongoing support for The Archer Project through event sponsorships and fundraising activities, including sponsoring their annual golf day and raising funds through our internal charity football tournament.

Alongside this, we strengthened our relationship with YWCA Yorkshire and its Hive Project through practical support and donations. We provided essential IT equipment, including mobile phones and monitors, to improve communication and training opportunities across their sites. This was built on previous donations of furniture, outdoor equipment and household items that continue to support both staff and residents.

We understand that sometimes practical support can have a significant impact, and being able to contribute resources that help improve daily experiences for individuals and organisations remains incredibly important to us.

Throughout the year, our employees also demonstrated their commitment to supporting important causes through fundraising initiatives. In May, our annual Charity Steps Challenge brought teams together and raised over £200 for Mind, combining friendly competition with an opportunity to support mental health awareness.

We were also proud to sponsor Andrew Parker as he took on the London Marathon in support of the Me&Dee charity, helping raise awareness and support for a cause that positively impacts many families and individuals.

In November, our CEO, Grant, supported Movember and contributed £500 towards the SUFC x Baton of Hope fundraiser, which supports important conversations and initiatives around suicide prevention and mental wellbeing.

These initiatives are particularly important because they allow us not only to contribute financially but also to bring people together around causes that matter.

As the year came to a close, our teams once again embraced the spirit of giving through our annual Christmas support activities.

Using our “milk money” initiative, with £40 allocated per employee, we purchased and donated essential items, including food, clothing, and toiletries, for The Archer Project, as well as Christmas presents for YWCA Yorkshire residents and families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to receive gifts during the festive season.

Alongside donations, many of our employees also volunteered their own time, helping wrap presents at YWCA sites and supporting fundraising efforts by attending local supermarkets and assisting with raffle ticket sales.

While donations are important, giving our time can often have an equally meaningful impact, and the willingness of our employees to support these initiatives reflects the values that continue to shape our business.