Community, connection
and collaboration Homelessness charity The Bridge (East Midlands) are leading the way in their approach to fundraising – here, Emily Miller chats with new CEO Sue Langley and discovers why community, connection and collaboration are vital
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ith the news that Sue Langley is the new CEO at The Bridge, I was keen to call for a chat. Having heard about her reputation working with other charities in the region, I already knew the match with The Bridge, a homelessness charity, was a good one. Sue is arriving at a time where The Bridge have experienced a 40% rise in demand over the last year. Sue made her intentions for her commitment to the charity and where she wants to take it very clear. “The demand for The Bridge’s services looks set to continue to rise rapidly, and at an alarming rate. With the cost of living crippling our food banks, housing and debt advice will never be more vital. We have these services at The Bridge offering advice, support and assistance, but rising to meet demand will mean we need more support, it’s as simple as that. “Of course, donations financial and otherwise will always be needed and gratefully received. However, I believe that a commitment for sustainable change from local business and community is needed to ensure
that services aren’t stretched; that they are fully supported from the bottom up.” When I ask her how companies can support this change, she expresses fervently that it’s about a “mutually beneficial partnership” between the charity and business and that it’s not all about funding; skills and expertise are just as vital for lasting and sustainable commitments from corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, business needs to do more and have a corporate social responsibility. We talk about how the pandemic has shifted the culture within organisations to look to help in their local communities, directly. “Being in an age where Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is fast overtaking the concept of CSR, incorporating the concept of giving to local communities within an organisation extends throughout with organisations creating an environment in which its employees want to be a part of.” They are looking for expertise and clever thinking with funding. “It might be that a small business
WE SHOULDN’T LIVE IN A SOCIETY WHERE THERE IS A NEED FOR FOOD BANKS
can’t commit to regular funds, but might have experience in food waste and can advise how we can limit that within our food bank networks, or maybe a hotel chain wants to run a scheme to encourage guests to donate £5 to our charity as they sleep in their beds that night! “The emphasis moving forward is a collaborative one with local businesses in our local community. The connections we make with one another as organisations are mutually beneficial and run right through the thread of all aspects of your organisation!” It’s clear to see that The Bridge will need funding and assistance more than ever, with our communities seeing poverty at an all-time high. “We shouldn’t live in a society where there is a need for food banks, utility support, or have 976 people die on our streets due to a lack of emergency and sustainable housing, but we do.”. If you are looking to connect and collaborate with The Bridge, call Paul Snape, Deputy Chief Executive on 07515 905 539 or email paul.snape@thebridgeeastmidlands.org.uk . NICHE | 103
