Charitable causes in Sheffield.
A time for reflections and plans for a happy 2019…
As a small business owner, I am constantly evaluating turnover, expenditure, potential savings, market growth etc. In other words how much money I can make. And why not? Money buys the creature comforts we take for granted but it can have an overwhelmingly negative influence on our behaviour and sometimes blinds us to what is really important in life and take precedence over compassion, empathy and altruism in business.
So now that the festive period is upon us it has prompted me to take stock and reflect on the work I have carried out for charities and businesses over the years that prioritise the above values over profit. It’s not all about the money. Like a lot of people as an individual I make monthly donations to various charities, plonk some spare change in the charity pot next to the till and buy the Big Issue from a vender as I walk ironically in to John Lewis. But my impact as an individual is negligible particularly when compared to three organisations I want to highlight in this piece which have used AB Aerials for the services we provide and have had a tangible influence on the lives of people far less fortunate than myself.
At the end of the blog, I have included links whereby people can make donations to each of the bodies I will mention below.
The first organisation I would like to bring to the attention of the blogging world is Choice Housing Limited. Choice Housing Limited which is an independent housing association and a Not-For-Profit Organisation that was set up in 2004 by Robert Mellors. They are based in North Nottinghamshire, but have properties in various locations around the country, with the majority in Sheffield and Worksop and offer a range of self-contained family homes and supported shared accommodation for single people. In addition to letting properties, Choice Housing Ltd also offers support to its residents in the areas of welfare benefits, debt management, employment, health, and housing. This support is offered to all residents free of charge, regardless of their income.
I first met Robert in 2014 in a not so salubrious are of Sheffield to carry out a fairly big domestic aerial and satellite job. I initially internally queried why anybody would want to take on such a thank less task, in my naive eyes, having to deal with the general maintenance and upkeep of such properties and deal with the issues of tenants on low income or on benefits. It wasn’t until earlier this year I found out why Robert established such a business. He had been homeless for a period of time a number of years ago and had been through similar experiences which genuinely shocked me as I would have never have guessed it as he appeared to be a well rounded, intelligent and articulate man running several successful businesses. Eventually, he had managed to overcome his demons and dedicated himself to improving lives and helping others who were down on their luck for whatever reason.
This was an epiphany for me and I was truly humbled by and Robert’s history and his continuing efforts.
The second organisation I have had dealings with ever since the first inception of AB Aerials is a charity called Roundabout based in Sheffield and is a local youth housing charity, providing shelter, support and life skills to young people. They provide emergency accommodation for homeless young people and support young people to live independently in secure bedsits and in shared housing throughout the city. Roundabout also offers young people a comprehensive programme of training and involvement which breaks the cycle of homelessness and develops long-term independent living skills.
When carrying out the work they send through I often come in to contact with the young people they deal with (aged between 16 and 25) who are more or less the same age as my kids but come from totally different backgrounds and have been presented with fewer opportunities and certainly seen less love. Roundabout offers assistance, advice and all manner of support something that they probably have never been previously exposed and give a vulnerable section of society a “leg up” and a chance to improve their lives.
I have a great respect and rapport with the staff at Roundabout and they in turn have kindly contributed to video testimonials in relation to the work I have done for them which can be found on the AB Aerials website (www.ab-aerials.co.uk).
The third and final organisation I have worked with since 2015 is a charity called Ashaiana who work with Black, Asian and refugee adults and children dealing with forced marriages, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, gang violence and honour based violence.
I suppose I have led a relatively sheltered life and never been exposed to the issues mentioned above but as a fully paid up member of the human race I can’t help be struck by the inhumanity that has led to the establishment of such a charity. What further shame there is for me as a man is that the crimes perpetrated are by men and that women need protecting from them and their distorted agendas. I have had to fit CCTV systems and microphones on hostels and supported accommodation for the gathering of evidence to prosecute men who have tried to gain access to cause physical or mental harm to women and children. How sad in one way but how good it is that Ashiana exist to take care and protect and house these often scared women and children
Next steps for supporting local charitable causes…
If you would lie to make a donation to any or all of the above organisations please do so from the following links
1. Choice Housing Limited – http://choicehousingltd.org/choice-activities/4588647145
2. Roundabout – http://www.roundabouthomeless.org/donate
3. Ashiana – http://www.roundabouthomeless.org
AB Aerials wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Peaceful New Year
Steven Walker
Owner, AB Aerials - helping customers through the process of installing TV and radio aerials, satellite dishes and CCTV. AB Aerials has been trading for over 35 years so we must be doing something right. The secret is that we address customer fears. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn >>
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