Bristol-headquartered national law firm VWV has chosen The Prince’s Trust as its nominated charity for the next four years.
It is the first time the firm, which also has offices in London, Watford and Birmingham, has committed to a four-year period for its chosen charity rather than the traditional one year. It said this would enhance its support and contribute further to the charity’s long-term goals. 
Each year VWV staff nominate a charity to partner with and raise money through a variety of fundraising activities, as well as donations from its charitable trust.
Over the coming months, staff will organise roadshows across its offices to encourage staff to contribute to its CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts to support the Trust, including taking part in Million Makers, an entrepreneurial fundraising challenge in which teams of employees from companies across the UK compete to raise the most funds.
The Prince’s Trust aims to improve the lives of young people who are unemployed or struggling at school.
The UK’s leading charity for young people, it was established in 1976 by HRH The Prince of Wales and has since supported more than 870,000 young people.
It helps 11 to 30 year olds get into jobs, education and training by providing practical and financial support, and helping them develop key skills and boost their confidence. It has returned £1.4bn in value to society through its help for disadvantaged young people over the past 10 years alone.
The Prince’s Trust director of partnerships Ben Marson said: “We are so pleased to have the support of VWV as a new patron of The Prince’s Trust. We look forward to working together in partnership to help young people transform their lives, particularly across the key locations where VWV is based and the need is great.”
VWV managing partner Simon Heald said the firm was delighted to be supporting The Prince’s Trust and to support vulnerable teenagers and young adults facing issues such as homelessness and mental health over the next four years.
“Involvement in community projects provides us with a valuable source of personal learning and development, and staff are encouraged to engage in community support work both during office hours and outside,” he said.
“We do this by granting extra holidays for days spent on worthwhile causes whilst at work and advertising widely the activities. We also match-fund any amounts produced as a result.”
In the past year, VWV has supported a number of charities local to its four office locations through a variety of fundraising activities, including organising an event in which seven Bristol partners went head-to-head in some gruesome trials. All proceeds went to Ronald McDonald House, the free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children in hospital.
