Rapport, the award-winning provider of guest services, hosted its Be Kind Fundraising Event on Friday 29th September, to support and fundraise for its three nominated charity partners, including West Lea School, Down Syndrome Ireland and The Wildlife Trusts.
These partnerships represent Rapport’s wider commitments to creating change in the communities in which it operates. In the case of its work with West Lea, this is part of its dedication to inclusivity to recruit more diverse talent and provide real world experience and opportunities for young people in Enfield.
The fundraising event, the first of its kind by Rapport, saw a total of £10,000 raised for all three charities via ticket sales to its event, through the generosity of donations and via its Silent Auction, where Ambassadors and Clients donated items and their talent all towards the effort.
Attending the fundraiser was Paul Quinn and Jack Kelley, CEO and Independence, Business and Partnerships Manager at West Lea School respectively.
Based in Enfield, the school supports young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It also offers a Supported Internship Programme for 16–24-year-olds with a Statement for Special Educational Needs or an Education and Health Care Plan. The one-year full time study programme includes an extended work placement with a local employer.
Through its partnership with Rapport and others, West Lea School provides access to jobs for young people who want to work but require more support to achieve this. Such action helps create a more inclusive work environment and builds skills addressing local needs.
With research by the British Association for Supported Employment showing that the employment rate for people with a learning disability fell to 4.8 percent in 2022, the partnership between Rapport and West Lea School is vital to help address this imbalance and give more people the opportunity to work.
To date, Rapport has hosted six young people on a Supported Internship placement over the past two years, three of which are now in employment at the organisation. As well as supporting interns, Rapport staff have carried out practice interviews for students and given tours and career discussions on working in hospitality. This support has greatly increased the schools’ careers programme and been a valuable insight into the work opportunities available to students with SEND.
Jack Kelley, Independence, Business and Partnerships Manager at West Lea, said:
“West Lea is delighted to be involved with Rapport’s first Be Kind Fundraiser as a charity partner. We want to thank all those who donated and attended this wonderful event. It is thanks to our partnership with Rapport and other employers that we can offer such important opportunities to our students.
“Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to provide real-world experiences for young people who might not otherwise have access to meaningful employment opportunities. In 2023, it is vital that we drive forward opportunities to create more inclusive and diverse workplaces.”
Emily Abbam, Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner at Rapport said:
“This was an absolutely fantastic night! We were all incredibly proud that we were able to reach our fundraising target of £10,000! Well done and thank you to everyone who was able to contribute. We know how much this means to our charity partners and we are excited as to what the funds will do to continue their meaningful and impactful work. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank West Lea and the team for their ongoing support with the Supported Internship programme – we are very lucky to work with you all and we very much look forward to furthering our partnership in the years to come.”
For more information about West Lea’s Supported Internship Programme, or to get involved, visit: www.westleasip.co.uk.
