Granting opportunity

The Muckle Fund, run in association with the Community Foundation, was set up in 2002 as a way for Muckle to give back to people, communities and good causes across the North of England.

Since then, it has awarded 737 grants totalling £713,679 to charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations across the North East.

In 2023, Muckle became the first law firm in the North East to be awarded a B Corporation® certificate, joining a global community of organisations using business as a force for good.

Muckle gives one per cent of its annual profits to the fund, which supports charities and organisations that help young people, tackle disadvantage, improve social mobility and champion causes close to the heart of Muckle and its people.

Teesside-based Clean Slate Solutions is one of those charities, receiving £11,000 in much- needed funding from the firm at a time when demand for the charity’s services is at an all- time high.

It works to support people with past convictions into employment – an innovative approach to reducing re-offending in the region.

Statistics show 77 per cent of the people Clean Slate places into employment remain in their roles for more than three months, and 97 per cent of those it supports avoid re-entering the courtroom.

Richard Brice, Clean Slate Solutions’ founder, says: “Muckle has been such a significant partner on our journey while establishing our charity over the last few years.

“The impact of this provision has enabled us to support 45 men and women into secure employment via our network of socially invested employers.”

Over the last two years, Muckle has helped Cumbrian charity Carlisle Key with donations totalling £9500.

The charity works to support young people in Carlisle with housing, household essentials, utilities and food — basic needs made challenging by the cost-of-living crisis.

Pictured (L-R) , are David A Kerfoot, Clean Slate Solutions’ patron; Hugh Welch, Muckle LLP senior partner; Tracey Brittain, Cleveland OPCC policy, partnerships and delivery manager; and Dr Warren Harrison, Clean Slate Solutions’ chair of trustees

Steven Harkins, Carlisle Key’s homeless prevention manager, says: “When young people move into social housing, they move into an empty shell, adding more stress to someone who is already vulnerable.

“Muckle’s funding has been used to support them with furniture, as well as utilities, to help them get on their feet; it goes a long way to keep the everyday manageable for these young people.”

The Country Trust has received £9100 in grants to help fund farm trips for North East children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The charity supports children who, through circumstance, face greater barriers to accessing green space and healthy food, and experience higher rates of obesity and physical and mental health issues.

Sue Thompson, the charity’s farm discovery co-ordinator, says: “We have developed a great relationship with Muckle.

“It’s not only the financial support that is so important, but the enthusiasm of the wider team, many of whom use their volunteering days to don a pair of wellies and come out on the farms to help with visits, providing additional help for the hundreds of disadvantaged primary school children we work with.

“We are also indebted to the ambassadorship of so many at Muckle, who have introduced us to other valuable supporters and championed our cause with professional partners and clients alike.”

Two grants totalling £8000 have been awarded to Bedlington-based all-girls’ classroom provision charity Choysez.

The charity works with young women throughout Northumberland, aged between nine and 16, with individually designed programmes helping them gain nationally- recognised qualifications and boost their self-esteem.

Chris Conroy, Choysez centre manager, says: “We work with some of the most vulnerable young women in Northumberland.

“The care and support we can give relies upon regular donations such as the grant from Muckle.

“A regular donation allows us to plan so much further ahead, and ensures we get extra value from the donation and more support for those who need it.

“This allows us to stretch every pound from the donation and is very much appreciated.”

Hugh Welch, Muckle’s senior partner, adds: “Since the fund was set up more than 20 years ago, we have worked closely with numerous charities and organisations.

“They all provide vital and valuable services across the region, and we are proud to support their incredible work.

“We celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Community Fund two years ago.

“Since then, we have continued to reach new milestones, expanding our efforts and deepening our partnerships with charities and organisations that make a real difference.

“As a firm, we remain dedicated to supporting their missions and making a positive impact on the community around us.”

To find out more about Muckle’s community work, as well as the range of legal services it provides, call 0191 211 7777.
www.muckle-llp.com
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