Member Article

Leader of top 45 UK law firm to take to the streets

The managing partner of a top UK law firm has been inspired to join his team’s charity work by sleeping out for a local homelessness charity.

Leeds-based national law firm Weightmans has committed to ‘Sleeping out for Simon’ for the second time as part of West Yorkshire homelessness charity, Simon on the Streets annual sleep out event. The 2019 event, held on 26th September will also include the company’s managing partner, John Schorah joining the team, alongside senior partner David Lewis.

‘Sleep with Simon’, is set to welcome 200 participants to the Royal Armouries in Leeds, where they will sleep outside for one night and learn about some of the harsh realities that rough sleepers experience on the streets.

In 2018 Weightmans raised £2,500 when the team of 22 joined the sleep-out. The donation has helped Simon on the Streets to fund annual training for five of its outreach workers who provide direct support to entrenched rough sleepers across Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees.

Founded in 1999, Simon on the Streets offers street-support to individuals who have complex needs and cannot access mainstream services, due to complex mental health issues, drug addictions, alcohol dependencies and other barriers.

Weightmans, which is listed as one of the top 45 UK law firms, has supported Simon on the Streets through a variety of fundraising activities since June 2018.

John Schorah, managing partner at Weightmans said:

“Homelessness is devastating the lives of so many, but organisations such as Simon on the Streets are working hard and without judgement to improve the lives of rough sleepers, through offering psychological, financial or medical support. To get even a glimpse into what it is like for those who spend most nights outdoors will be a real eye-opener for me, and I hope that we can raise as much money as possible to support SOTS in all that they do to ensure that vulnerable people are getting the help they need.”

Fahad Khan, development manager at Simon on the Streets added:

“Weightmans have been fantastic supporters of Simon on the Streets. From sponsoring our rough diamond ball earlier this year and rallying a team to take part in our biggest event, the sleep-out, last year its great to have their commitment to partake again. The inclusion of their senior partners, demonstrates that the whole Weightmans team is committed to helping us tackle rising homelessness.”

The ‘Sleep with Simon’ event sponsored by BW Legal will include a performance from Commoners Choir, a keynote speaker and drama arts group Slung Low will provide a unique bedtime story via headsets for sleepers. Catering will be provided by Rapid Relief Team, Bean Rover and Manjit’s Kitchen.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellie MacDonald .