Member Article

WBD announces new Bristol office charity

Law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD), which has a large presence in Bristol, has announced that Somerset & Avon Rape & Sexual Abuse Service (SARSAS) will be the office’s chosen charity for the next two years.

SARSAS is a specialist support service for people in Bristol, Bath, Somerset and South Gloucestershire who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives. The charity, which also supports the friends and family of people affected by sexual violence, offers a confidential helpline, regular support sessions, counselling, email support as well as training and advice to professionals. SARSAS also educates the public about sexual violence and raises awareness of the impacts of rape and sexual abuse on the victim and wider society.

WBD is already heavily involved in a comprehensive responsible business programme in Bristol, supporting a number of charities, community projects and initiatives including Bristol Sport Community Foundation reading stars, Oasis Brightstowe Academy mentoring and The Prince’s Trust. Earlier this year the firm confirmed it had reached its ambition of raising £80,000 for St Peter’s Hospice, which was the Bristol office’s charity since 2017.

Jonathan Bower, partner and head of responsible business in WBD’s Bristol office, commented: “Around one in five people are affected by sexual violence and organisations like SARSAS do a great amount of work in our community to provide vital support to individuals as well as to raise awareness. We’re looking forward to working with the charity for the next two years supporting them through volunteer and fundraising opportunities which is aligned with our community engagement strategy. Our Bristol office has shown tremendous determination, grit and passion during our partnership with St Peter’s Hospice and we look forward to commencing this new partnership with SARSAS.”

Claire Bloor, SARSAS CEO added: “We are delighted to have been named as WBD’s charity partners for the next two years. Support from local businesses is vital for us to continue our work in the community and we’re very much looking forward to working with the firm and see what great fundraising ideas they have in store.”

Opening in Bristol in 1998, WBD is one of the largest law firms in Bristol where it employs over 230 people.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Womble Bond Dickinson .