Case studies

Pinsent Masons, in conjunction with its client Wates Living Space, sent teams of volunteers to St Michael's College on 19th September 2008. The two teams worked alongside some former Crypt clients who are now working as employees of the Crypt. They undertook renovation works to the main dining room and hallways as well as the male and female bedrooms.

Pinsent Masons and Wates living Space contributed a total of over 112 hours which led to support for 80 people and leverage £1,125.

Stacey Collins from Pinsent Masons said "It was a very enjoyable project: it was great to be able to work closely with a client towards such a worthwhile cause. We had some good banter with Wates and formed a good team". Ian Burnett, Managing Director of Wates Living Space, said "We are pleased that this year, through partnership working with Pinsent Masons our teams were jointly able to assist St George's Crypt with the makeover of temporary hostel premises".

Both business teams benefited from the experience and got a rare chance to work together out of the office. The Pinsent Masons team also reported picking up some handy decorating tips for the future. The project will help the Crypt continue to offer its service which many people are dependent upon. Chris Fields, St George's Crypt Operations Director, said "This very practical support will save us money, provide excellent bonding opportunities for the corporate team, and will fulfil a really important task as we prepare to relocate temporarily".

Martin Patterson, Fundraising Director for St George's Crypt said "I was struck by the sense of camaraderie and the real pride in what everybody was doing. It was also great to see how well construction company staff and solicitors can get on together".

St George's Crypt is hoping to move to St Michael's in January for 12 months. Refurbishment at St George's will develop a pavilion, three multipurpose rooms for skills and employability training and fifteen individual bedrooms for service users. There will be an increased service user space at the Crypt from 45% to 80% and a cloistered therapeutic garden.

When St George's Crypt moves back to its premises in Great George Street in early 2010, there will be further opportunities for businesses to provide support through skills workshops, mentoring and employability training.