Thames Reach becomes Bevan Brittan’s new Office Charity in London

Colleagues from Bevan Brittan’s London office are set to provide a range of support to a group working with people facing or experiencing homelessness in the city, after selecting it to be their new Office Charity.

The national law firm’s team in the capital will assist Thames Reach through a host of fundraising initiatives. The charity, which aims to end rough sleeping on London’s streets, will also receive pro bono legal support related to their property portfolio of more than 30 offices, hostels, supported housing and recovery centres as part of the partnership.

Colleagues will join the charity’s teams on evening street patrols to locate and help people rough sleeping, while people affected by homelessness and outreach staff will receive legal advice and training on issues including housing law, debt, welfare benefits and employment.

Bevan Brittan’s London team were asked to provide nominations for the next Office Charity after their partnership with social mobility organisation The Talent Tap came to an end. Thames Reach was shortlisted by the office’s Community Engagement Committee and chosen after making a presentation. 

Andrew Shaw, Partner and Head of Community Engagement at Bevan Brittan, said: “As well as complementing our values as a business, Thames Reach offered us a range of fundraising and volunteering opportunities.

“The team are really excited about the chance to help this great charity on the ground, whether that is through free legal advice or working on the streets with those who are sleeping rough and need support.

“It is really important to everyone here in London and across the wider business that we play a role in the communities in which we operate. This is a fantastic opportunity to support another great organisation helping those who need it and it builds on the support we were able to give The Talent Tap last year.”

Bill Tidnam, CEO of Thames Reach, said: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Bevan Brittan, whose commitment to supporting local communities aligns perfectly with our mission to end rough sleeping in London. Their support across employee fundraising, volunteering and through their professional and legal expertise will significantly boost our capacity to help people affected by street homelessness. Together, we can make a real difference in helping people who are homeless or vulnerable find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. We are really looking forward to our partnership.”

The other new Office Charities that will also benefit from Bevan Brittan’s support include Zarach in Leeds and Age UK Birmingham.

The firm’s London team has grown significantly in recent months and ten colleagues were recognised as part of a recent record round of promotions for the business overall.