We have implemented an initiative where all Newable employees are allocated four volunteering days a year. This initiative is designed to encourage our employees to give back to the community and contribute to causes they are passionate about.
These volunteering days provide our employees with an opportunity to step out of their regular work routines and engage in activities that enrich their lives and the lives of others. Whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, participating in a local community clean-up, or lending a hand at a community centre, our employees have the freedom to choose where and how they want to volunteer. Two of our employees have truly embraced our ESG objective of ‘Positively impacting our communities’. They have made remarkable use of their allocated volunteering days, demonstrating their commitment to community service and personal growth. We are proud to share these stories.
Sian Hughes
Sian Hughes, Event Manager, has volunteered in a variety of roles, from marshalling at NHS charity runs to helping out at a local international kite festival. She also volunteered at the D-Day 80 festivities in June this year.
As a Mental Health First Aider at Newable, Sian finds great satisfaction in supporting others. This led her to volunteer at a local Suicide Prevention Awareness Day in Portsmouth, where she broadened her understanding of mental health issues. Following this event, she even undertook additional training in her own time.
Sian is also a regular volunteer for Love4Life, a charity that organises social activities for vulnerable adults. This role aligns well with her skills and interests in event organisation. Recognising the challenges of making new friends and widening social circles, Sian is passionate about providing support and assistance to those who may find these aspects of life difficult. Through Love4Life, she helps create a safe and fun environment for vulnerable adults to socialise and be carefree.
Rifat Jan
Rifat Jan, Innovation Team Manager, made a significant contribution to Rosie’s Rainbow Fund’s fundraising event on 28th May 2023. Rosie’s Rainbow Fund is a remarkable charity established over 20 years ago by Carolyn Mayling. The charity supports seriously ill and disabled children and their families in hospitals, schools, and the community. It runs music therapy sessions at John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital in Oxford, Royal Berks Hospital in Reading, and Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury.
The charity musical event was held at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe. The event was a resounding success, with over 800 tickets sold and magical performances by local children who sang and danced to well-rehearsed West End shows.
A significant part of the event was a silent auction, which Rifat was responsible for designing and coordinating. The auction included items such as a signed England Rugby T-Shirt and a weekend away in the Isle of Wight, all generously donated by various organisations. Thanks to the voluntary time provided by Newable, Rifat was able to use two afternoons to conduct research, design the graphics for the silent auction, and assist with general marketing.
On the day of the event, many people kindly signed up for the items, raising more than £2,000 from just eight items. In addition, Rifat helped with the raffle prizes by designing the raffle flyer and selling many tickets on the day.