VWV’s corporate partnership is changing lives at Gilgal
At Gilgal, we provide a safe haven for women escaping domestic abuse. Our work is life-changing, but as a small charity, we rely on the kindness and generosity of our supporters. That’s why we were overjoyed when VWV’s Birmingham office chose us as their Charity of the Year in 2024.
VWV have a strong commitment to supporting charitable causes, with some of their recent initiatives including the provision of free advice to the Birmingham City University’s Family Law clinic, and drafting a short-term Licence to Occupy for ‘Hope Against Suicide’.
Why Gilgal?
Every year, the staff at VWV carefully considers one ‘Charity of the Year’ to support for each of their four offices in Birmingham, Bristol, London and Watford. The CSR committee thoroughly researches and shortlists local causes and their organisations. Each office’s employees then vote for their preferred charity and in 2024, Gilgal was the overwhelming choice for the Birmingham office.
For VWV’s Family Law team, this partnership is particularly close to their hearts. Every day they see how essential safe spaces are for women leaving abusive situations. But they weren’t the only ones to feel a connection; VWV’s entire team wanted to support a small, grassroots charity making a tangible impact in their local community.
How VWV are making a difference
This partnership has been invaluable to us and VWV have stepped up in multiple ways to support both our charity and community.
1. Financial support and donations
VWV have made monetary contributions through their central charitable trust, with multiple tranches of funding directed to Gilgal. In addition to financial aid, the team has organised donations of new clothing, bedding, and essential supplies to help new residents feel welcome and secure. These donations also mean that residents have possessions of their own when they move on from Gilgal.
2. Pro bono legal assistance
For women escaping abuse, understanding their legal rights is crucial. VWV’s Family Law team has provided expert guidance on non-molestation orders, arrangements in respect of children, and financial settlements – helping survivors feel empowered and informed. They’ve also helped secure the lease for our new refuge building, ensuring we can continue to provide a safe place for those who need it most.
3. Practical, hands-on support
VWV employees don’t just offer help from behind their desks – they get stuck in! We’ve had visits from staff members such as Lucy Barr, offering in-person workshops and advice to our residents. With the whole team encouraged to take days off for volunteering, they have offered up their services in a variety of ways, such as painting and decorating to make our refuge as warm and welcoming as possible.
4. Awareness and fundraising
From bake sales and sponsored runs to inter-office challenges, VWV have organised a variety of creative fundraisers to support us. They have also facilitated collections of bric-a-brac and other donations to support Gilgal’s new Charity Shop.
Through all of this, VWV’s contributions have made such a difference to Gilgal. Due to their support, we now have a new home after facing eviction from our previous refuge; a huge milestone for our charity and the women we support. The legal guidance offered to our residents is always kind and empathetic, empowering the women with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their own lives.
What’s next?
As we prepare to move into our new refuge, VWV have once again stepped up, offering their help with packing, painting, and getting our new space ready. They also remain committed to supporting our residents through ongoing legal assistance.
We hope to grow our team of Charity Shop volunteers, and VWV have offered to use their networks to help us find people looking for the perfect opportunity to give back.
VWV have shown us what a genuine, meaningful corporate partnership looks like. Their support isn’t just about ticking a CSR box – it’s about real people helping real people. Thanks to them, we’re in a stronger position than ever to support women escaping abuse, and we couldn’t be more grateful.