Suffolk ProHelp is a countywide network of businesses which provides professional and strategic support free of charge to voluntary organisations.
The guiding principle of Suffolk ProHelp is that members approach this work in the same way as they would any other fee-paying customer. The only difference is that the community client is not charged for the work undertaken.
Suffolk ProHelp is co-ordinated by Community Action Suffolk and funded through the Transformation Challenge Award, made possible by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group.
We’d like to introduce you to one of the Suffolk ProHelp members, who has signed up to support Suffolk’s voluntary organisations.
Castons were established in Ipswich in 1895. We now employ approximately 40 people over our 3 offices in Ipswich, London and Evesham. We provide Quantity surveying, project management, building surveying and construction health and safety services to our clients throughout East Anglia, London and the Midlands.
Why did your business get involved with Suffolk ProHelp?
Castons have always prided ourselves on the work we have done within our community having worked with many charities and not for profit organisations. Being members of Suffolk ProHelp enables us to continue to invest back in our local community.
Which voluntary organisations have Suffolk Prohelp matched you with and how did you help them?
We have assisted many parish councils in achieving their aspirations of new community facilities for their parish.
How else does your business get involved with the local community?
Our partners and senior staff are involved with charity works and charitable organisations. We are currently helping with the relocation of a local food bank and the development of an cancer education centre at West Suffolk Hospital having been heavily involved in the construction and establishment of the similar facility at Ipswich Hospital a number of years ago.
What would you say to voluntary organisations which might need professional support?
Do your homework first. Establish exactly what you are trying to achieve and why and make sure you have a committed and dedicated team around you.
Why would your recommend businesses join Suffolk ProHelp?
It is satisfying to see community and charity projects successfully completed when, without professional help, they may never have been achieved.
Suffolk ProHelp would like to hear from you if you are:
a business in Suffolk that would be interested in joining Suffolk ProHelp
a voluntary organisation or charity in Suffolk that would be interested in probono services from Suffolk businesses
