SWINDON-based metal recycler, EMR, based on Gipsy Lane, has joined forces with SMASH, a local charity which aims to help young people discover their potential.
As part of the partnership, EMR has sponsored three young people through SMASH’s 12 week support programme, which aims to help those aged 9 to 19 years old feel more in control of their lives. The company will also run sessions and tours at its site to educate on the importance of metal recycling, teach young people about working life and provide help with CV writing and mock interviews.
SMASH, based in Pinetrees Community Centre, offers one-to-one mentoring with young people, as well as group activities for children and young people who need emotional support.
SMASH work with trained professionals and volunteers who are trained by the organisation to listen, guide and mentor young people. Their support focusses on increasing confidence, self-esteem and resilience, as an increase in these life skills improves the likelihood of a young person maintaining or re-entering education. The support is highly regarded by the young people, who appreciate that they are meeting with an adult who is voluntarily giving up their time to mentor them on a weekly basis.
Martin Crossman, Area Manager for EMR, said: “Our company puts a great deal of importance on supporting the communities that are close to our sites. We are very happy to be able to help a charity such as SMASH, which really improves young people’s lives and future prospects.
“At EMR, we invest heavily in developing our own employees so they can use their life and job experiences to help the young people at SMASH.”
As well as the sponsorship and on-site sessions, a team from Swindon will trial SMASH’s mentor scheme with a view to opening it up for other EMR employees to be trained by SMASH and volunteer their time to support the young people of Swindon.
Helen Fisher, CEO of SMASH, said: “SMASH is thrilled to be working with EMR. The partnership demonstrates how business and third sector can and should come together for the benefit of the community.
“Thanks to EMR and its approach of simply asking how it could help SMASH, we are receiving short term funds but also building long term relationships with community volunteers. These relationships will directly benefit our young people now and in their futures – thank you EMR.”