Held at London Museum Docklands, just minutes from Telehouse’s London campus, the event brought together Telehouse’s partners, suppliers, as well as representatives from both charities for an evening of inspirational speeches and insights into the challenges each organisation is tackling.
Launched in 2010, First Love Foundation is on a mission to tackle UK poverty differently, via rapid crisis intervention, welfare rights advice, wraparound support, and advocacy. So far, its holistic model has supported thousands of people facing crisis in one of the UK’s most-deprived boroughs to get their lives back on track.
Denise Bentley, CEO and co-founder, First Love Foundation, said: “We’re a small team of eight and have seen demand for our services grow significantly since Covid and the cost of living crisis. Sadly, we have had to start turning people away due to limited resources. The funds from “Connect for Cause” will help us continue our critical work and ensure we can support everyone who needs our help.”
Established in 2006, Leaders in Community is a youth-led charity on a mission to inspire and empower young people in Tower Hamlets to be active and vocal contributors to their community, providing creative learning programmes that develop leadership skills and encourage active community involvement.
Syed Uddin, CEO, Leaders in Community, commented: “At Leaders in Community, we equip disadvantaged young people with the skills and opportunities to speak out about community issues, challenge inequalities and develop their careers and character. These funds will help us continue offering free, year-round programmes in a safe, supportive space.”
Mark Pestridge, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Telehouse, added: “We are thrilled that thanks to the generosity of our suppliers and partners, £40,000 is to be shared between two incredible local charities. Both First Love Foundation and Leaders in Community are driving meaningful change in our local area and we are proud to play a small role in their efforts.
Pestridge added, “Tower Hamlets has been Telehouse’s UK home for over three decades, and it holds a special place in our history and our future. We are passionate about giving back and helping to create opportunities for the people who live and work here. This is just the beginning for “Connect for a Cause”, and we look forward to many more opportunities to make a lasting impact together.”
