One of the two charitable trusts that own estate agency and property group Andrews is helping a counselling project by funding training for 36 new volunteers to deliver supportive listening services.
The Andrews Charitable Trust (ACT) has presented a £2,000 cheque to The Listening Ear Project, a collaboration between St Peter’s Church, Filton, and Network Counselling and Training.
Run by Reverend Elizabeth Gregory, it aims to bring free supportive listening services to the community in and around Filton.
Rev Gregory said: “Having set up numerous projects in the past which have supported the more vulnerable in society, I was keen that St Peter’s should use its café space to offer support to members of the local community when they’re going through a difficult time in their life.
“The money we’ve received from ACT will allow us to train a total of 36 volunteers in three blocks of 12 over the coming 18 months as well as publicising the project to the people of Filton.
“Without the funding, it would have been incredibly hard to raise the necessary funds and get the project off the ground so we’re very grateful to ACT and the team at Andrews for selecting our application.”
Keynsham-based Andrews Property Group gives a minimum of 35% of its profits to its two charitable shareholders every year. ACT then selects innovative new community projects to receive grants of £2,000. The Listening Ear Project is one of six selected in the latest round of awards.
Andrews Property Group chief executive David Westgate, who is also a trustee of ACT, said: “When selecting which projects should receive these grants, the team at ACT looks for those which demonstrate creative and innovative ways of reaching the most vulnerable in society, as well as those with an inspirational and passionate project leader.
“There’s no doubting that in Revered Elizabeth Gregory, The Listening Ears Project has exactly that. By engaging with Network Counselling and Training to ensure the volunteers are trained by the very best in the sector, and utilising the existing café space at St Peter’s Church, she has committed to delivering an essential resource that I don’t doubt will be well received.”
The first round of training sessions will be delivered by nationally-recognised Network Counselling and Training early in the new year, with the project expected to go live in March.
ACT is currently accepting applications for a further 20 project grants with the closing date of November 27. Further information visit www.andrewscharitabletrust.org.uk/who-we-fund/christian-community-grants/
Andrews was founded in 1946 by Cecil Jackson Cole, a pivotal figure in the founding of charities including such as Oxfam, Help the Aged and Action Aid. It now operates from nearly 60 offices across the South of England.
Pictured, from left: Andrews Property Group chief executive and ACT trustee David Westgate, Revd Elizabeth Gregory of St Peter’s Church, Filton, and Anne Duke, head of training at Network Counselling and Training
