Charity supports businesses to reach social value targets

The UK’s largest canal charity is supporting businesses across Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond to reach their social value targets.

The Canal and River Trust, which looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals in England and Wales, is now working with businesses and organisations looking to give back to their local communities.

The Trust is working in partnership with corporate supporters across a range of sectors to help them achieve their environmental objectives, focus on employee health and wellbeing and make a direct impact within the communities in which they operate.

Partnerships can either involve a donation to contribute to a specific project or one of the Trust’s core areas of work, or hands-on volunteering opportunities on both small or large projects.

The Trust provides corporate partners with regular reporting on the impact being made as a result of their support, measurable success factors in areas including employee or customer engagement and invitations to events and networking opportunities.

The Canal and River Trust is now looking to develop more strategic partnerships with businesses who share a love of nature and is working alongside local communities to support them in meeting their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets.

Terry Hodgetts, Business and Corporate Engagement Partner of Canal and River Trust West Midlands, said: “We have a number of fantastic corporate partners who provide us with an incredible amount of support, and we are now looking to grow this area further.

“Working with the Trust enables businesses and organisations to give back to the millions of people from communities that use their local canals.

“Our research shows that spending time by water, whether it be on a lunch break, daily commute or just a weekend stroll, really does make us feel happier and healthier.

“Across the West Midlands, 559 miles of canals weave their way through richly vibrant and culturally diverse communities, and this includes right here in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Not only do we focus on community health and wellbeing, but we can also help businesses by engaging with workforces who are given the opportunity to come and enjoy an event on the canal.

“Corporate partners can get involved with a whole range of projects that can be incorporated into one-off team engagement days and ESG work involving several days of support.

“During this, we can offer companies a beautiful environment to get their employees away from the daily grind and appreciate the beautiful surroundings of what nature has to offer while making a real difference in their local community.

“We understand that businesses vary in size and scope, and we can tailor a strategic partnership which meets the needs of each individual’s aims and objectives.”

Further information about becoming a strategic corporate partner of the Canal and River Trust is available by contacting Terry.Hodgetts@canalrivertrust.org.uk