Trowers & Hamlins' social impact strategy is a crucial aspect of our overall business approach. The firm recognises the importance of being a responsible corporate citizen and strives to make a positive difference in the communities we operate in. Our strategy focuses on three key areas: community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Recently Trowers has demonstrated our dedication to social responsibility and our desire to create a lasting positive impact beyond our legal services by partnering with Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT).
ECCT is an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and communities in Exeter city and its surrounding areas. They work towards creating positive social change through various initiatives in sports, education, health, and wellbeing. The trust provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in physical activities, develop skills, and build a sense of belonging. Their programmes focus on promoting inclusivity, fostering personal development, and enhancing community cohesion. Through their efforts, ECCT plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of the community they serve.
We asked a couple of our staff members from the Exeter office, who have participated in ECCT initiatives, to share their thoughts and feelings about their experience. Here's what they had to say:
"Dominic and I regularly attend the Sporting Memories session that is organised by the Exeter City Community Trust. This initiative is conducted in partnership with the Sporting Memories Foundation, a charity that supports older people across the UK who are living with dementia, depression, and loneliness.
The sessions are conducted as round table gatherings, with approximately 25-30 individuals. They are fantastically led by Pete Ferlie and provide a platform for sharing current and past sporting events, incidents, and memories in an informal and friendly environment.
What really appeals to us is the way this initiative helps people in the local community connect with their passion for sports. It reawakens positive thoughts and feelings and gives people an opportunity to come together, have fun, and share their love for all things sports. Attending these sessions is always rewarding, and the knowledge and enthusiasm displayed by the participants is truly impressive." – Luke Cummings, Associate, Trowers & Hamlins & Dominic Ring, Senior Associate, Trowers & Hamlins
"I participated in a volunteering exercise with Exeter City Community Trust at the National Trust's Killerton Estate in November 2023. Together with other volunteers, I planted 900 hedgerow trees over the course of two days. This involved rolling out matting and placing mole guards and bamboo canes on the trees. I liked the idea of this initiative as it allowed me to not only contribute to a meaningful cause by creating new habitats for wildlife, but also provided me with some much-needed exercise. Moreover, it was a new experience for me, and I found it enlightening to learn about the process of planting trees and the various tasks involved." – Mandy Baker, Chartered Legal Executive, Trowers & Hamlins
"I donned a hi-vis vest and assisted in marshalling hundreds of enthusiastic Santas of all ages who were raising money for some very worthy causes. It was an inspiring and enjoyable Sunday morning.
Additionally, I have also spent a couple of hours helping to deliver Christmas food hampers in my local area. I found this experience to be particularly rewarding, as even though it was a small contribution of my time, many families were able to enjoy the festive period thanks to ECCT.
Exeter City Football Club holds a special place in our city, and the Exeter City Community Trust and their staff make it an easy decision to volunteer for their numerous worthwhile initiatives. They are always friendly and welcoming." – Nicky Challice, Senior Paralegal, Trowers & Hamlins
Trowers are proud partners of ECCT, with many Trowers employees having been involved in a number of ECCT initiatives, such as:
- River Run 10k, Halloween Run, Santa Run
- National Trust volunteering at Killerton
- Holiday activity food programme – Christmas hamper delivery
- Sporting Memories & Social Café
- Social Café visit to Royal Albert Hall Museum
Ed Leppard, Charity Development Assistant at Exeter City Community Trust, stated:
"Trowers & Hamlins' contributions have certainly strengthened our initiatives in several key areas. Their engagement with the Wellbeing Cafe, for instance, has provided a welcoming space for individuals facing social isolation. Witnessing their staff engage in genuine conversation and build meaningful connections, has not only been well-received on our part, but most importantly by our participants. Similarly, their participation in Sporting Memories, a programme utilising the nostalgia of sport to combat loneliness and dementia, has brought joy and sparked cherished memories. Furthermore, their assistance with our running events ensures these crucial platforms for fundraising and community engagement run smoothly and successfully.
Beyond individual programs, Trowers & Hamlins' commitment extends to broader community initiatives. Our joint involvement in the National Trust’s Killerton tree planting project signifies their dedication to environmental sustainability and fostering a sense of shared ownership within the community. Additionally, their invaluable assistance with hamper deliveries over the Christmas period ensured vulnerable families had access to nutritious food.
Trowers & Hamlins operate as valued partners, invested in both our success and the overall well-being of our community. Their contributions reflect a deep understanding of the social issues we face and a commitment to working alongside us to find solutions. We are deeply appreciative of their support and recognise the value of their contributions alongside those of our other esteemed partners. We believe that through collaborative efforts, we can create a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community for all."
In closing, Chris Rundle, Partner at Trowers & Hamlins, highlights the significant impact of the partnership between Trowers and ECCT, underscoring how it aligns with Trowers' overarching social impact strategy and commitment to making a positive difference in the community:
"We have always had a strong sense of the potential we have to make a positive impact on the lives of people who live and work around us and the importance of giving our people the freedom and encouragement to get involved and make a difference. Our partnership with Exeter City Community Trust has given us another fantastic opportunity to deliver on that commitment. The variety of initiatives that ECCT has developed and embedded in the local community has made it easy for people to engage in areas where they have a genuine interest. It is hugely rewarding to see the appreciation and enjoyment that flow from participation in all these events. We very much look forward to building on all the good work that has been done and helping to provide companionship, support, and assistance to all those who need it."
