15 November 2023

Our charities of the year are Julian House and St Petrocs

We are delighted to confirm that our charities of the year are two organisations which provide support services to tackle homelessness in the South West.
Two LiveWest colleagues ready for a charity bike ride.

Julian House and St Petrocs were both selected because of the fantastic work they do to help people find a safe and secure place to call home.

In order to raise money for these two fantastic charities, our colleagues have organised a vast majority of fundraising activities, including bake sales, sponsored walks, quizzes, bike rides and much more.

Stewart Tudor-Jackman, our Head of Organisational Learning and Talent Management, said: “We are delighted to have chosen Julian House and St Petrocs as our charities of the year. This year, we have decided to have two charities because we believe everyone deserves a place they can call home.

Cyclists ready for a charity bike ride.

 

“We recognise we are in a cost of living crisis and we wanted to work with these charities to help provide more people with warm homes and tackle homelessness.

“Our colleagues continue to fundraise and spread awareness for Julian House and St Petrocs through craft sales, bike rides, quizzes, golf events and even a fantasy football league.

“Our support for these charities will help more people in the South West find a safe place to call home.”

On top of the funds gathered by our colleagues, LiveWest will match fund up to £7k, which will be evenly split between Julian House and St Petrocs.

Julian House

Julian House is a charity which supports vulnerable, at-risk adults and young people.

Its support ranges across the South West to provide services to help with homelessness, escaping domestic abuse, adults with learning difficulties and people who need some support after leaving prison. 

Julian House colleague talking to a member of thecommunity.

 

Annabelle Lowes, Julian House’s Senior Community and Events Fundraiser, said: “Julian House is absolutely delighted that LiveWest has chosen to support us as their charity of the year. I am the Senior Community and Events Fundraiser for Julian House here in Exeter.

“If you haven’t heard of us, Julian House is a charity organisation that supports vulnerable and at-risk individuals across Exeter and the South West. These include adults, children and young people experiencing homelessness and escaping domestic abuse.

“We have really enjoyed working with LiveWest and have been touched by their kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to our cause. We particularly enjoyed their incredible cycling event in July 2023, where over 40 LiveWest employees tackled various route lengths of up to 100+km and braved the heat to show their support for our work. 

“The oraganisation have raised over £1000 for our charity already, and we are looking forward to the next exciting fundraising events they have planned, including a cross-office quiz night this November!

“We’d like to sincerely thank LiveWest for choosing to support our charity. Exciting times ahead!”

St Petrocs

Our second charity, St Petrocs, provides accommodation and life skills to help end homelessness in Cornwall. 

They work with members of the community to help more people get on their journey to achieve independent living. 

St Petrocs colleague talking to a person.

 

Kate Trewhella, St Petrocs’ Support Care Officer, said: “As an independent Cornish charity, all of our support work is funded through grants and donations. We are so grateful for the support of LiveWest as they fundraise for us as their charity of the year. 

“Sadly our services are facing demand at the highest level we can recall, in September 2023 we worked with 45% more people who had slept rough compared to September 2022. Therefore, every donation makes a real difference to the services we can provide to those facing and experiencing homelessness.

“St Petrocs is a charity working to end homelessness in Cornwall, because every person has the right to a safe and secure home. We provide the support required for clients to find a route out of homelessness. 

“Our services include advice, support and medical services at three resource centres and around the county with an outreach team;  supported accommodation housing for over 150 people across Cornwall; a skills, training and employment programme to ensure that people can return to independence; and Freshfield, an in-house counselling service.”

LiveWest will continue to work alongside Julian House and St Petrocs to help more people find a home and receive support in the South West.