Impact of pro bono: supporting local charities

Daisy’s Dream – Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths partnered with Daisy’s Dream, a charity based in Berkshire which provides bereavement support.

What did the work involve?

Shoosmiths provides financial donations, provision of pro bono legal advice and in-kind advice to support the work of the charity.

The real estate team acted on behalf of the charity in taking a 10-year lease of a new office space, which will serve as the new headquarters and a welcoming space for counselling and support services.

Support included:

• a full investigation and report on the title and the property
• negotiation of the lease documentation
• ancillary matters such as tax, planning and administration under the Charities Act 2020

After the space was opened, the team worked together to tidy and redecorate the space, which allowed all the individuals involved to get together and for the legal team to learn how the space will be used in the future.

What was the impact?

Families affected by bereavement won’t always know when they might need support.

Daisy’s Dream needed a space to provide help in a timely manner to whoever needs it.

Before the new space was acquired, there were sessions such as parent support groups where parents, usually bereaved of a partner, come together to discuss the best ways they can support their children through grief. But the attendance was low.

Since the acquisition of the new space, there has been a 150% increase in people attending, with some parents making a significant effort to join.

Attendees reported that they felt less isolated and alone as a result of coming along.

Shoosmith’s Pro bono work has helped Daisy’s Dream to increase the support they offer without impacting on other delivery areas.

Laura Lewis, CEO, Daisy’s Dream said: “For a small charity, the support we have received from Shoosmiths in relation to legal work on a lease for our new building has been massive.

“It’s made us think differently about ways we can engage with corporate partners to utilise different skills which both benefit Daisy’s Dream, but also provide professionals with a chance to really make a difference to the people we support.

“The savings that we have made on this also frees resources to help even more bereaved children and young people. A huge thank you for your assistance in this.”

Ten Little Toes – Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell supported a West-Sussex based charity, Ten Little Toes, to acquire a new lease.

Ten Little Toes is a charity based in Crawley, which supports families and parents with children under 12 in West Sussex who are in crisis or hard circumstances.

What did the work involve?

The charity was operating out of the founder’s home and needed a larger premises to continue to deliver the work and further expand their reach to more families in the community.

They collect supplies and equipment for families, such as prams and cots.

The new premises meant that they were able to provide more for families in the West Sussex community.

What was the impact?

The charity is very small and relies on fundraising alone to exist, so without Irwin Mitchell’s support, they would not have been able to afford the legal services they needed to negotiate a lease.

Richard Kayser, national pro bono partner at Irwin Mitchell LLP said; “Thanks to the dedication and passion of our colleagues from across Irwin Mitchell, this year we’ve been able to offer pro bono support to a number of individuals and charities, including Ten Little Toes.

“Our colleagues commitment ensures that those in need can access essential legal advice that would otherwise be out of reach and we're proud of the help and support they've provided.”