In 2022, Robin Hamilton, Head of Energy Liability at Arch Insurance International, and a number of his close friends decided it was time to take action in supporting their local Suffolk community. Having seen firsthand the widespread inequity between those more fortunate and those without in their area of Suffolk, they wanted to do something proactive to make a difference.
Thus began the formation of the ‘Stand Up for Suffolk’ fund, supported by a now 40-strong group. Twice yearly the group, now under the wing of the local ‘Suffolk Community Foundation’ charity organisation, finds causes to support through donations over the following six to 12 months.
This year four main local charities have been selected to benefit from the local fund:
Brave Futures — A specialist support service for children and young people under the age of 18 who have suffered sexual abuse. This charity gives children and young people the skills and tools they need to rebuild their futures, manage the trauma they have experienced and help move from victim to survivor.
The Befriending Scheme — The Befriending Scheme provides friendship and learning opportunities for vulnerable people (ages 16 and older) across Suffolk, including those with learning disabilities or mental health needs, as well as other isolated groups.
Edens Project Sudbury — A youthwork charity that supports all young people and helps them achieve their true potential, through mentoring, support and providing positive opportunities. The charity provides a well-equipped youth centre and has helped over 2,500 local children.
Inspire’s Porch Project — A youth charity that provides safe spaces for young people outside of school hours, as well as supporting their personal development and wellbeing — be it mental, physical, emotional or social.
Arch has been delighted to lend support by contributing to the Stand Up for Suffolk fund.
“The foundation was set up to better help our local communities flourish and give support to those smaller charities that struggle to find enough funding for their essential causes,” Robin said. “They’re all doing such great work, so it’s difficult not to want to help everyone who needs it, but we are trying to make a difference bit by bit. Having that extra support from Arch has been fantastic, enabling us to give even more to these brilliant charities.”
Speaking on behalf of one of the selected charities, Inspire Suffolk, Caro Thornton, Development & Contracts Manager, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the support of the Suffolk Community Foundation, Stand Up for Suffolk fund. Donations such as this support our vital work in Suffolk supporting children and young people at various stages of their lives. This funding in particular will be supporting our youth work services within the Porch Project, which will include drop-in sessions, health services, outreach youth work, holiday activities and in-school mentoring services across Babergh.”