A charity which provides a friend in need to children across Warwickshire has expanded its board – and is now looking for more adult volunteers to meet rising demand.
The Friendship Project for Children has appointed Wright Hassall Partner and Head of Employment Law Tina Chander to its Board as a HR Trustee.
The charity was established in 1986 and has since matched more than 1,500 children who are in need for a variety of reasons with volunteers for friendship.
Tina, who has been at Leamington law firm Wright Hassall since 2016, will provide HR advice and offer her employment law expertise, as well as assist with fundraising initiatives.
Her appointment comes at a key time for the charity as it requires more volunteers becoming adult friends to meet a backlog against rising demand since the pandemic.
Cheryll Rawbone, Chairman of The Friendship Project for Children, said: “We are delighted to have Tina on board.
“She brings with her a wealth of experience in employment law which will be a great asset to us as a small charity to help keep us up-to-date.
“We have such an enthusiastic team of volunteers already, and her own enthusiasm and joy at being part of a charity to help children is clear to see.
“Our next step is to bring in more adult volunteers as demand has increased since the pandemic and we have around 60 children on the waiting list, so we would appreciate any support.”
Tina met the charity in her role as a mentor in the 22in22 Women in Business Mentoring programme – an exciting initiative delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to support aspiring women in business throughout the region.
Her new role with the charity aligns to Wright Hassall’s 2025 plan, which launched in May and champions four staff commitments: career, environment, community, and clients.
Tina added: “I am thrilled to be joining the board of the Friendship Project for Children, offering my expertise to help support their fantastic work in the community.
“As a major skilled employer in the area, Wright Hassall is at the heart of growth in our region and is it important to support local businesses and organisations, with this new role aligning perfectly with our 2025 plan to support our local charities and organisations.
“The Friendship Project is now looking for more adults to become a friend to a child in need, particularly males.
“All sorts of children need this service – they might have lost a parent or grandparent, or their parent might not be able to dedicate as much time to them.
“A friend can help improve the child's self-esteem, confidence and allow them an opportunity to have some fun, often lacking in their lives, so a trip to the cinema, going for a bite to eat, canal walk, or football in the park can be so valuable.”
Anybody who is aged 18 and over and can volunteer for two or three hours a week for a minimum commitment of six months is asked to contact 0845 838 2098 or info@friendshipproject.co.uk.
Caption: Chairman of The Friendship Project for Children Cheryll Rawbone, with Wright Hassall Partner and Head of Employment Law Tina Chander