Businesses Step Up Support For Hope Box Appeal

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 18 February 2021

UPDATED: 18 February 2021

A wide range of businesses have successfully kick-started a special appeal launched by Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound.

Safe and Sound have teamed up with Derby-based personalised gift company Colleague Box to create a bespoke ‘Hope Box’ for local young people and families who they work with.

The Hope Box is filled with calming activities, treats and positivity messages and Safe and Sound are aiming to secure sponsorship from individuals and businesses so that as many of the £20 boxes can be distributed as possible over the coming months.

Safe and Sound supports children and young people across Derbyshire who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation including sexual, County Lines, trafficking, Modern Slavery and radicalisation.  The team also supports families and raises public awareness across local communities about the dangers facing young people and the support available.

Amongst the companies who have already pledged support is Cosy Direct – a Derby based company which supplies responsibly sourced play equipment to schools and nurseries all over the UK.

Cosy Direct have sponsored ten Hope Boxes and CEO Peter Ellse explained:

“We are huge fans of Safe and Sound and applaud the work of the charity that is close to our hearts.

“Cosy are champions of young people and it is good to know that charities such as Safe and Sound are working hard to keep children across Derby and Derbyshire safe.”

Safe and Sound chief executive Tracy Harrison said:

“The Hope Boxes carry an important message to our young people and their families that they are not alone and are something that they can keep referring to and take comfort from in dark times.

“The appeal has got off to a great start and we have so far received support for 50 young people to receive their Hope Box.

“Our workload has significantly increased in the past year largely due to the increased vulnerability of young people who have faced social isolation during the pandemic.

“Our team works with these young people for as long as they need it with 1:1 and group support, positive activities, help to return to education or into work and practical support to help them move forward with their lives in a positive way.

“We are also working hard to support their families with the wider issues that they face such as financial hardship and mental health.”

Natalie Bamford, Creative Director of Colleague Box, said:

“It was an absolute delight to team up with Safe and Sound to launch the Hope Box initiative.

“The boxes are packed full of goodies designed to give the children and young people who the Derby charity works with lots of motivation and support.

“We worked with local suppliers, including Derbyshire-based Divine Box and Homemade Boutique, to source bath bombs and cards which feature encouraging words to keep their spirits up and let them know that they’re doing well.

“There are a few sweet treats in the Hope Box, alongside a worry stone and mindful colouring book - proven to reduce anxiety, improve your mood and is great for helping you to switch off.

“The response to these boxes has been great and we’re delighted to once again be supporting Safe and Sound.”

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