Our chosen charity partner, Beam, is an organisation helping homeless people and refugees fi...
Our chosen charity partner, Beam, is an organisation helping homeless people and refugees find their feet. During our partnership so far, we’ve helped to change the lives of 600 people, supporting 350 individuals into work and 200 people into housing.
This month, we have helped Philip, Mandy and Yvonne get one step closer to the life they have always dreamed of. Read their full stories below...
Philip believes that helping others is one of the most valuable things a person can do. This was proven to him time and time again in his previous role as a Junior Doctor. Unfortunately, Philip had to leave this role due to family circumstances.
He is keen to get back on his feet and continue his career in one of his many interests. Philip would love to go back to medicine one day, but is also interested in working with children or going to college to gain extra qualifications. Overall, he needs a stable job to support him in reaching his goals.
"I really enjoy helping others - I even do a lot of charity runs and exercise challenges in order to raise money for vulnerable people! I’m so honoured by the support I’m receiving and I can’t wait to see where I go next!"
Mandy is a single mum with a young son. Unfortunately, they became homeless and had to move into emergency accommodation until they were able to find a more stable home. Her son is her world and everything she does is for him. Mandy dreams of moving into a house that feels like home for them, so they can start the next chapter of their lives. She is sure that on the day they move, there will be tears of joy!
She feels like this is the first step towards a great future for them. Once Mandy is in stable housing and her son is a bit older she would love to go back into work and eventually be able to own a home.
"It’s amazing to know there are people out there willing to support me and my son, and I would like to thank every person that helps make our dream of moving into a safe and stable home happen."
The most important thing to Yvonne is being independent within the security of being close to loved ones. She loves spending time with her family and friends, but also enjoys activities alone such as reading and knitting. Above all, she loves looking after her dog, Bella, who has been an amazing companion to her.
Previously, Yvonne was renting an annex from her daughter and son-in-law. Her tenancy was terminated as they wished to move and she had no deposit to rent privately. She came to London to stay with her son in his 1-bedroom rented flat. Yvonne approached Kensington and Chelsea BC to apply for social housing, because she wanted to be near her son but was informed that she would not be able to have her dog in council accommodation. So, she was elated to be offered Beam’s support to find a private rental for them both.
The biggest challenge for Yvonne has been having to be reliant on other people. She has always been independent and self-sufficient and, at 76, it is extremely hard for her to come to terms with that. She feels such gratitude and humility that there are people who are willing to support her and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It will enable Yvonne to continue to be independent and self-sufficient and regain her sense of pride. She is so grateful that her son will not have to shoulder all the responsibility for her and that he can continue with his life whilst still being able to support her mentally and physically.
"When I move into my new property I will be elated to have my personal possessions around me. It will help me regain my sense of pride and independence. My home is my haven, and somewhere l have always taken pride in. I will feel settled, secure and content to maintain my independent lifestyle!"
A huge thank you to all of the employers we partner with for redeeming their gift cards and helping to bring these donations to those who really need them.
3Search is a digital recruitment agency, working to create a force for good in every area of our work. As a result, we have built partnerships with organisations we believe in and help us give back.
Find out more about our work with Beam and partnerships with the wider community here.
