Employees from the company’s Cambridge office kick-started the two-year charity partnership with Blue Smile last December with a carol concert and their fundraising activities have escalated from there with everything from cake sales to sky dives.
There are thousands of children in the county struggling to cope with the impact of family breakdown, bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, and far more. Blue Smile is dedicated to providing one-to-one arts-based therapy and mentoring in Cambridgeshire schools to help children overcome mental health and emotional wellbeing issues.
Stuart Thompson, Partner and Charity Champion at Mills & Reeve, said: “At Mills & Reeve we take both our work and social responsibility very seriously and are keen on supporting and raising money for charities. Staff at our Cambridge office voted to select Blue Smile as their chosen charity after being bowled over by their inspiring and moving presentation. Since then they’ve been determined to raise as much money as possible for their vital work.
“The money we’ve raised so far for Blue Smile has been a massive team effort. Staff have challenged themselves with marathons and skydives. They’ve baked cakes and had fun on dress down days. They were also good sports during our summer charity week, which we’ve just completed, having wet sponges thrown at them in the stocks and taking part in some special Mills & Reeve record breakers. These record breakers included the most marshmallows eaten in one minute (18), the fastest time to peel and eat a lemon (21 seconds), and the most M&Ms eaten in one minute, with chopsticks, blindfolded (27)!
“We’ve got a packed calendar of fundraising activities lined-up over the coming months, including a ‘Big Blue Quiz’ in September. It’s great to know that all the money we raise will support Blue Smile in its mission to help children in Cambridgeshire thrive, learn and live happier lives.”
Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of Blue Smile, added:“Raising £7,000 in just seven months is a brilliant result and we are hugely grateful to all the staff at Mills & Reeve in Cambridge. Everyone at Blue Smile has been thrilled by their enthusiasm and we’re excited to see what other fundraising antics they come up with next.
“Nearly four children in every UK class are now likely to have a mental health difficulty – and the problem is growing. Blue Smile was founded nearly seven years ago in response to local headteachers expressing the need for support with emotionally vulnerable pupils. We’ve risen to that cry for help and provide support in Cambridgeshire schools to allow children to reach their true potential and have happier childhoods
“The arts-based therapy we use engages children in a non-threatening way, helping them to express their feelings and process traumatic experiences - and it helps their academic attainment too. Without specialist support these youngsters could go on to develop mental illnesses and anti-social behaviours, which puts huge pressures on local services.
“Blue Smile relies entirely on public donations and, as statutory services are now very limited, the demand for our help is increasing all the time. Support from partners like Mills & Reeve plays a key part in allowing us to progress our work in Cambridgeshire schools and make a lifetime of difference to emotionally troubled children by providing expert, long term help.”
For further information about Blue Smile and how to support the charity’s important work to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children visit www.bluesmile.org.uk
Image: Mills & Reeve staff at the 2017 Cambridge Half Marathon
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