Leading figures from Nottingham’s business community will put on their finest evening wear next month as they dine at one of the city’s most prestigious venues in support of homeless people.
More than 150 guests, including Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, are expected to attend a black tie dinner at The Council House in aid of homelessness charity Framework from 7pm on Friday, October 3.
The dinner, sponsored by Actons, will raise money to support Framework’s Skills for Independence educational programme, designed to teach vital life skills that enable formerly homeless people to live independently in the community. Tables are still available for the event, which will feature food by McArtney’s and music from Me and Mr Jones and are priced at £60 for an individual guest, and £600 for a table of ten people.
Andrea Carver, Partnerships and Events Manager at Framework, explained: “Framework is truly fortunate to enjoy such terrific support from members of the local business community, who greatly value the work we do with vulnerable people in their communities. We also know from experience that they like to see where and how the money they raise is being spent. We are thrilled, therefore, that the proceeds of this event are going to support our Skills for Independence programme – which is a truly sustainable response to the causes of homelessness.
“Established several years ago, this publically funded initiative enables us to prevent homelessness in the future by ensuring that all the people living in our accommodation services have access to vital skills training: how to cook on a budget; how to manage home finances, and how to run a successful home. This event, and the generosity of our guests, will help sustain this programme the year ahead and open doors to hundreds of people.”
Amanda Gordon, a Director at Actons, said: “We are delighted to have such a long standing relationship with Framework, which has developed further in recent years from being an ad hoc arrangement to a more structured arrangement. What we really value, is that Framework is local – It helps those local people in our community who are the most vulnerable. All the directors and staff at Actons have had opportunities to get involved with Framework and have really seen the difference that both the fundraising and volunteering we do really makes a difference to people’s lives.”
Undoubtedly the biggest beneficiaries of Skills for Independence training are the many young people Framework supports – many of who have grown up in chaotic and dysfunctional homes and have no one to turn to for support.
Hannah, 16, explained: “I never saw leaving home approaching so I could not prepare for it. When you leave home when you are a little older, you can prepare yourself a little or you’ll have people to help you out. Some young people don’t have that when they first leave and you just have no idea what to expect.
“Skills for Independence sessions have been so helpful to me and I know they will help me to move on to my own place with complete confidence. These sessions teach us things that are not instinctive to us or taught at school – although they definitely should be.”
Posted on November 2, 2014
