SCCCC announced as Mason Thomas Law’s charity of the year

A Sheffield property law firm is set to give practical and financial support to a South Yorkshire charity over the next 12 months.

Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC), which has provided vital support to older people throughout South Yorkshire since 1966, has been named as Mason Thomas Law’s charity of the year.

The 58-year-old charity was selected to be supported by the law firm over the next 12 months, following an appeal on social media earlier this year. Applications were invited from local charities and not-for-profits that would benefit from Mason Thomas Law’s financial and practical support. SCCCC was selected from nearly 20 organisations.

Alongside fundraising throughout the year on behalf of SCCCC, all of Mason Thomas Law’s five-strong team will also be taking time away from the office to undertake dementia training and give their time to participate in SCCCC’s popular Good Neighbour scheme.

The scheme supports over 300 elderly patients to access medical appointments and provide weekly contact, both in-person and by telephone, with a service user. However, with 200 more people on the waiting list, additional volunteers are welcomed by the charity.

The scheme was commended last month when the charity won a prestigious GSK Impact Award 2023. Award judges said SCCCC’s “volunteer-led ‘good neighbour’ services offer a lifeline to vulnerable older people who may be lonely or isolated.”

Cathy Thomas, Director and Solicitor at Mason Thomas Law explained why SCCCC was chosen: “It was a team decision. Many of us have elderly family members and are very aware how important it is to support them to live independently in their own homes. SCCCC makes this possible.

“We are a small employer but what we lack in terms of mass fundraising efforts, we make up for in determination and commitment to give our time to support vulnerable members of our community. We are all very excited to be involved with SCCCC and the great work it does.”

Commenting on being selected as Mason Thomas Law’s charity of the year, Ericka Hill, Fundraiser, Marketing and Communications Officer at SCCCC said: “We were delighted to have been chosen by Mason Thomas Law as their charity of the year. Raising awareness of the plight of lonely, isolated older people is our priority so receiving support from the team will be gratefully received. We look forward to working with them over the coming months.”

And it’s not just Mason Thomas Law employees who will be getting involved; their children and school friends will also be putting pen to paper as part of SCCCC’s Pen Pal Scheme. The popular scheme, which has been running since 2020, invites people to send handwritten letters, postcards, drawings or paintings to service users of SCCC’s Good Neighbour Scheme.