Jeremy Swain
Chief Executive, Thames Reach, Business in the Community, Responsible Business
Business in the Community (BITC) has provided fantastic support to Thames Reach over the last 10 years. Their long-term commitment has made an enormous contribution towards transforming the lives of some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable homeless people in this country. There are three specific areas where Business in the Community impact has been particularly significant;
Helping those in a position of power and influence to understand homelessness and be inspired by homeless people themselves. The Prince’s Seeing is Believing visits have enabled Thames Reach’s homeless service users to talk directly to key business leaders and even with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. This direct contact has enabled Thames Reach to develop many enduring and beneficial partnerships, providing great encouragement to both staff and service users and galvanising the business sector to take action.
Secondly, Business Action on Homelessness (BAOH) has provided a steady stream of opportunities for former homeless people eager to return to work, by creating work placements in companies through the Ready for Work programme. These placements have led to a massive increase in the confidence and self-esteem of homeless people and led to them securing real, sustainable jobs.
Finally, last year we were honoured to be selected by Business in the Community as their Charity of the Year. The tremendous commitment of the charity has helped Thames Reach to develop more links with corporate supporters, who helped to transform a number of the gardens and living spaces at Thames Reach’s accommodation projects. Through Business in the Community’s efforts we also received much needed equipment and utensils for people setting up a home for the first time after many years on the streets.
We regard our partnership with BITC as one of our most important and successful partnerships.
