Solicitors have enthusiasm to raise money for youth organisation

LAWYERS across Derbyshire and East Staffordshire have agreed to work together to raise funds for an organisation that supports children and young people from deprived backgrounds.

Derby and District Law Society has named Enthusiasm Trust as its chosen charity for the year and hopes to raise cash to support its work helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full potential.

Oliver Maxwell, from Nelsons Solicitors on Lodge Lane, was appointed as president of the society in May and chose the charity after attending a Marketing Derby bondholder event at Enthusiasm’s headquarters on Cotton Lane.

The first fundraising activity was a Great British Bake Off-style competition which saw solicitors from across the society’s membership demonstrating their showstopping baking skills in a contest which raised more than £500.

The money will help Enthusiasm Trust continue to provide youth clubs, workshops, homework support and one-to-one mentoring programmes to young people the opportunities to gain skills, knowledge and experience from a variety of activities.

Oliver said:

“I attended an event at Enthusiasm’s headquarters a couple of years ago and was really moved by the sterling work being done there. I was particularly impressed by the creative projects they carried out during lockdown.

“So, when I was given the presidency, it was an easy decision to name Enthusiasm as my chosen charity because it really is a laudable cause.

“The Bake Off was the first event we have all taken part in and there are some talented bakers among the membership. Gemma Plummer from Eddowes Waldron, based at St Peter’s Churchyard, won the ‘best bake’ prize for their Halloween-inspired cake, with the Family Law Group on Iron Gate raising the most money.”

The Derby and District Law Society was established in early 1886 and today represents lawyers across the whole of Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. It aims to support the legal profession locally by offering training, social events, and representing its members’ interests. Additionally, the society aims to assist the public in sourcing solicitors with a particular specialism.

It already has strong links with Enthusiasm Trust as Claire Twells, from Smith Partnership, is vice chair of the board of trustees while Melanie Brigden is also a board member and a leading partner at Nelsons Solicitors.

April Allman, CEO of Enthusiasm, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that the law society has named Enthusiasm Trust as its chosen charity because any additional funding really goes a long way and helps us to make a genuine difference in the lives of the people we work with.

“Every year Enthusiasm needs to raise £300,000 to keep delivering its services and so we are really keen to encourage the business community to get on board and help us financially.

“We have a wonderful army of volunteers – 12 young volunteers and 10 at the family hub – and collectively they have worked well over 2,500 hours in the last 12 months.

“Employers can have such a positive influence and impact on young people – both financially and in so many other ways. No matter how big or small the support or donation our organisation will always ensure our young people will benefit from the generosity.”