As part of our 10 year anniversary celebrations this year we have asked some of our charity partners to write a short piece on what the partnership with the Berkeley Foundation has brought to them.
This is the story of our long-standing partnership with SPEAR, a homelessness charity in London.
"This review is a timely reminder of the value and impact of SPEAR's 10 year partnership with the Berkeley Foundation and St George. Alongside the direct client support to people experiencing homelessness, this partnership has leveraged SPEAR to expand our operations to increase client benefit, reach more funders and extend our outcomes measurement, making SPEAR more sustainable and resilient for the future.
"From the earlier years of dialogue and events around 'Rethinking Homelessness' and supporting a Trainee with lived experience into employment as a Trainee Outreach Worker, to a capacity building grant to successfully leverage our fundraising partnerships into new boroughs. Plus St George's outstanding employee fundraising each year, with football and tag-rugby tournaments, clay pigeon shooting, Christmas Jumper days and more - and our SPEAR clients and staff competing against the St George teams, even winning a Berkeley Foundation Award.
"The current funding for our Young Persons Programme through Combatting Youth Homelessness allows SPEAR to tailor our youth skills development to reach more young people and leverage further funding. One of SPEAR's Young People, Kas, even won the UK Youth Inspiring Hope Young Person Award this year. One of 355 nominations, she stood out for her tireless work supporting and uplifting residents in their young person's hostel throughout the pandemic. Kas played a key role in multiple projects that provide practical support to young people experiencing homelessness and supports her community by volunteering.
"I have travelled with the Berkeley Foundation and St George throughout the partnership with SPEAR. Their professionalism and commitment at all times to listen and respond to the challenges faced by our clients and support the organisational needs of our charity, has been exemplary. Their support has helped SPEAR to build additional capacity and improve our services for young people and all our clients for the future."
Heidi Shrimpton, Head of Fundraising, Communications & Volunteering - SPEAR
SPEAR – the Story of a Successful Partnership
21st July 2021
