A Nottingham-based charity dedicated to supporting children with mobility and communication difficulties across the East Midlands is poised to benefit from a significant £5,000 donation. This generous contribution comes from colleagues at the national law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF), marking a pivotal step in enhancing the charity's transformative services.
Empowering Children Through Conductive Education
Footprints Conductive Education Centre specialises in providing Conductive Education and other vital services to empower children living with disabilities such as cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome. The charity's mission is to help these young individuals achieve their full potential by developing essential skills in a supportive environment. Currently, Footprints supports more than 75 families, but with recent expansions, it aims to extend its reach to assist up to 300 families in the region.
Major Renovation and Community Integration
In June, Footprints relocated to the former Highbank Community Centre in Clifton, launching an ambitious renovation project. This initiative includes plans for outdoor sensory play areas and a newly-established community coffee bar, designed to foster inclusivity and engagement. The IMCF donation will specifically fund a new sensory garden, which will complement the centre's existing services and provide a welcoming space accessible to the wider community.
Josie Park, head of income and fundraising at Footprints, expressed immense gratitude for the donation. She highlighted that multi-sensory gardens create safe, enjoyable environments where children can develop their personalities among understanding peers, supporting both emotional and physical wellbeing. This project will allow families to benefit from the garden sooner than initially planned, thanks to the timely financial support.
Collaborative Efforts and Volunteer Support
Irwin Mitchell's colleagues and partners based in Nottingham have already played an active role in the renovation project through various volunteer days and events. Their efforts, including painting and site preparation, have begun to transform the centre. With the establishment of a new Irwin Mitchell office in Nottingham, funding the sensory garden represents a natural progression in their ongoing partnership.
Tania Harrison, a partner at Irwin Mitchell's Nottingham office who has been supporting Footprints, praised the charity's impactful work. She noted that the new centre and sensory garden will promote social connection, inclusion, and wellbeing in an area of Nottingham that has historically lacked such facilities. This collaboration underscores Irwin Mitchell's commitment to creating long-term social impact in the communities where they operate.
Sustainable Funding and Broader Impact
The £5,000 donation was made possible through the Give As You Earn programme, a salary sacrifice scheme where Irwin Mitchell colleagues' monthly donations are matched by the firm. Additionally, colleagues regularly participate in fundraising events, demonstrating a sustained commitment to charitable causes. The IMCF, an independent charity founded in 1997 by employees of Irwin Mitchell, has now raised over £3 million for good causes both in the UK and overseas.
This donation not only aids Footprints in expanding its services but also aligns with Irwin Mitchell's wider drive to become a leading responsible business. By supporting charities like Footprints, the firm reinforces its dedication to fostering positive change and enhancing community wellbeing across the East Midlands.
