Problem shared is problem halved: SBT and Thomson Reuters hold challenge event

A problem shared is a problem halved, goes the saying.

It's also the philosophy behind our Challenge Events, where social enterprises we support present real-world business problems and get advice and hear solutions from one of our corporate partners.

Last week Thomson Reuters hosted our latest event, where over 50 of their employees showed energy and insight on the day working alongside representatives from the charities and social enterprises.

"I was contributing to something that will have a positive impact on people’s lives," said Angela Rolletta from Thomson Reuters, pictured here with her colleague Ben Dolan.

Angela and Ben spent the day talking with Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS).

"Having up close access to the objectives and needs of a wonderful organisation was powerful,” said Ben. “It allowed us all to engage with meaning and purpose."

HILS, who have been working with SBT since 2014, offer a range of services, including meals on wheels and medical support to help older and vulnerable people stay healthy and independent.

Tom Cottam, Director of Strategy and Development at HILS, attended the event, saying: "It was fantastic to receive support from our Thomson Reuters colleagues on how to address some of our biggest challenges. We're looking forward to continuing the conversation and working together and, in doing so, changing the world!"

As well as HILS, four other social enterprises attended the day - Catch22, Speech and Language UK, DFN Project SEARCH and Career Ready.

Catch22 CEO Naomi Hulston presented a number of current business issues her organisation is grappling with to Thomson Reuters staff.

"It was great to be part of the Challenge Event," she said. "The important role organisations like SBT can play in bringing together the knowledge and expertise of both the business and charity sectors to find solutions for better outcomes is more important today than it has ever been."

Catch22 are a social business working to improve the education, training and justice systems. They run a number of transformative programmes across a wide-range of sectors, supporting young people, adults and families.

Naomi, reflecting on the day, added: "Approaches and events like this, with a real commitment to shared learning, is key to social change."

If you work for one of our corporate partners and are interested in volunteering with a social enterprise we support, get in touch with us at [email protected]

A list of our corporate partners can be found here

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