Keynsham-based Andrews Property Group and its principal shareholder, Andrews Charitable Trust, have received a prestigious award for their work to support young people leaving the care sector.
“[establish]” which is the ambitious social housing project launched following Andrews’ 70th anniversary fundraising campaign, unveiled its first house to support vulnerable young people in Bristol just last month and it is the partnership with local charity 1625 Independent People that was showcased in their successful entry award.
The judges of the Business Charity Awards were particularly impressed with the inclusive approach that the Andrews’ team took to make this fundraising initiative a success. Not only were all team members across the entire Andrews’ branch network involved in fundraising initiatives ranging from competitive bake-offs through to skydives and marathons, but two members of staff will also be trained by 1625 Independent People to act as volunteer mentors to the young people living in the “[establish]” house.
The longevity of the “[establish]” programme was also recognised by the judges. With a vision to set up a total of 50 such houses, Andrews has not only committed over the long term to supporting vulnerable people as they leave the care system and make their own way in life, but they’ll also provide them with the chance to join Andrews through work placements, apprenticeships and, it is hoped, long-term employment.
Speaking of the awards success, David Westgate, Chief Executive of Andrews Property Group, said: “The Business Charity Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by UK businesses to benefit and support good causes. It is, therefore, an honour to be recognised in this way.
“Our heritage is grounded in ensuring that our work benefits the wider societies in which we operate so when we decided how best to celebrate our 70th anniversary last year, fundraising in order to launch an ambitious housing project to support young people felt entirely like the right thing to do. Importantly, it’s something that we feel our founder, Cecil Jackson Cole (himself a highly regarded social philanthropist), would have been supportive of.”
The first residents of the “[establish]” house, which is located in the Lawrence Hill area of Bristol, moved in in early May and already Andrews is actively looking for further properties to extend the Establish footprint. The next house is anticipated to launch in South London later this year.
Pictured above from left to right: Journalist and presenter Declan Curry, Sian Edwards (Direct of Andrews Charitable Trust) and David Westgate.
