Initiative: Sponsorship and volunteering with Shelter
International law company Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has tied up athree-year sponsorship of Shelter's new Children's Legal Service as partof the charity's Keys to the Future initiative designed to end childhomelessness.
Freshfields will be providing funds of more than 232,000 duringthe three years, as well as extensive pro bono legal support to theinitiative. From March 2008, the firm will be encouraging employeevolunteers to get involved in the Keys to the Future project in Newham,which offers support to local children and young people living intemporary accommodation with no permanent home.
In September 2006, there were 6,947 children in temporary housing inNewham. The project works with homeless children who are not achievingto their ability either because they are outside of the educationsystem, or because they are suffering from low self-esteem or pooraccess to resources. Volunteers will give these children one-to-onesupport and attention, to help them overcome obstacles, develop theirpotential and enjoy learning.
Lead Freshfields partner on the project, Patrick Swain says: "We areexploring opportunities with the Shelter Keys to the Future project inNewham for our staff to support children and young people throughvolunteer initiatives. "
Freshfields' support is helping Shelter set up the new Children's LegalService where a dedicated team of lawyers will work for the rights ofchildren and young people to have their housing needs met.
