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At P3 Charity, we’re proud to have been joined by National Grid Energy Distribution for their Global Grid for Good Week, where National Grid works to use its resources to serve communities; leveraging volunteering, skills training and strategic partnerships to drive positive social, economic, and environmental impact. As an organisation that encourages its employees to take part in social good, National Grid invites employees to spend up to three days each financial year volunteering and during their Global Grid for Good Week, National Grid coordinates specific projects to engage their teams and create real benefit for their charity partners.
On a mission to reach 500,000 volunteering hours in local communities by 2030, National Grid have set up programmes across the country that collaborate with local charities like P3, creating local impact and long-lasting difference.
At P3, we see National Grid’s commitment for positive change first-hand, and our longstanding partnership with National Grid has included renovation and redecoration projects across Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Hillingdon, as well as generous donations.
Their commitment to creating social value is demonstrated in their Grid for Good Week, which took place from 30 September to 3 October and saw two teams of National Grid colleagues redecorate P3 supported accommodations, creating brighter and more inviting spaces for the people we work alongside.
Lydia McHugh, P3’s Community Engagement Co-ordinator, said about the project: “National Grid’s commitment to giving back shows the power of partnership and it has been a real privilege this week to have the National Grid team alongside us at P3. Their teams bring not just time and skills, but a real energy and kindness into our services. Every project they’ve supported – both historically and this week – has made a lasting difference to the wellbeing and lives of the people we work with and we’re so grateful for National Grid’s continued commitment to making positive change.”
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Norman Russell House is a P3 project providing a safe place to stay for people experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes. Alongside accommodation, each person supported has a dedicated P3 Support Worker who works alongside them to create a personalised support plan to help them move on to long-term housing.
Norman Russell House offers 13 single-occupancy rooms and is staffed around the clock, providing a safe and supportive environment for people moving between homelessness and long-term accommodation. Every communal area plays a crucial role in helping people rebuild their confidence and independence, acting as spaces where we deliver support sessions, social activities and skill-building workshops. That’s precisely why National Grid’s contribution to the redecoration of these shared spaces is so meaningful.
On the day, volunteers from National Grid joined us for an interior redecoration project, transforming the offices and communal areas inside Norman Russell House. They turned work spaces into welcoming, safe and comfortable areas where people can build a community of support and heal from past trauma.
With ‘psychologically informed environments’ being a fundamental part of our approach at P3, the look and feel of our places and spaces is crucial. It’s key that our spaces reflect safety, trust and our values as an organisation. Thanks to the hard work of National Grid’s volunteers, we can continue offering high-quality support that goes beyond the basics – providing accommodation that truly feels like home.
Johanne Barrass, Regional People and Services Manager for P3 Charity, said: “We had such a great day, the National Grid volunteers made a brilliant job of decorating the office and the bottom floor of the building – we even had some of the people we work alongside join in too! The building looks so fresh, bright and homely – a perfect environment for the people we support!”
Mansfield and Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Our P3 Mansfield and Ashfield Young Parents Service provides a safe place to stay for young parents and families aged 16 to 21, offering housing advice and support to help them prepare for their future.
Alongside 15 accommodation spaces, we provide a range of advice, employment opportunities and independent living skills to help them develop the skills and confidence to create a stable future.
National Grid joined P3 on site, working together to kickstart a long term redecoration project of the children’s play area and garden – something that will make a huge difference to the young families living there.
One of the highlights of the day was preparing the fence for an upcoming mural that will be designed and painted by the P3 team who have been in contact with a local artist, brightening the space for children.
Darren Wilson, Service Manager for P3’s Mansfield and Ashfield Young Parents Service, commented: “We support young parents with their accommodation and parenting skills, so the efforts of the volunteers here today will have a big impact on the people we support. National Grid have transformed the courtyard into a bright, open space where people can come and feel welcome when they get their support. Without the support of the National Grid team, this redecoration wouldn’t be possible. From myself and the team, we can’t thank them enough.”
This was echoed by Sharon Carew, P3 Children and Families Play Worker: “Every day is different here, but one thing we do a lot is messy play, so being able to have an outdoor play area that is accessible is so important. Having somewhere so bright and appealing will encourage the children to play and open up. It will absolutely have a positive impact on the children and their parents.”
We’re excited about what the future of our partnership with National Grid holds, with projects in Coventry, Wolverhampton and Derbyshire already in the pipeline.
Our ongoing partnership with National Grid is testament to power and potential of charity and corporate partnerships, if they’re designed with the beneficiaries at their heart.
Komie Jain, Global Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement for National Grid, commented: “I’m grateful for the impactful work our community partners are doing, working side-by-side with our volunteers, many who live and work in the communities we serve. Volunteering is not just about giving back; it’s about creating connections and strengthening communities.”
Built over years of generosity, dedication and real community impact, we’re proud to have strong corporate partnerships at P3 Charity. Often, donations and corporate support can bridge the gap and create life-changing opportunities for local people in communities where charities are stretched between the rising demand on their services and shrinking funding.
To find out more about our corporate partners in action or how you can partner with us, contact our Corporate Partnerships Team on CorporatePartnerships@p3charity.org
