Lesley Hurlston - Contracts & Licensing Manager at Paragon Bank, Cllr Karen Grinsell, William Hollins – IT Procurement & Asset Analyst at Paragon Bank, Lucy Price – Development Consultant Early Years Lead at Paragon Bank.
Paragon Bank has kindly donated computer equipment to Solihull Council, as part of its commitment to support children in care and care experienced young people and its company pledge to help improve social mobility.
The company, whose headquarters are based on Homer Road in the town centre, has donated 10 laptops and 10 webcams which will be distributed to young people in need. It will help them to carry out important activities as they prepare to enter adulthood for example with their studies, job searches or housing applications.
The partnership between Paragon and Solihull Council has developed following their attendance at the Council’s first corporate parenting event in November.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Corporate Parenting Lead, explains:
“When a child, for whatever reason, can’t safely stay at home, it is up to the local authority to step in and give them the care, support and stability that they deserve. This is called corporate parenting.
“Looking after and protecting children is one of the most important jobs that councils do, however there are greater benefits when organisations work together. In Solihull we are developing our approach to corporate parenting and can see the huge benefits of drawing on expertise and opportunities that other businesses, organisations and individuals outside the Council can offer. We call this community parenting.
“Paragon is just one of many organisations who have stepped up to support us on this journey and we are thrilled to be working with them. We are truly grateful for this donation, and it will make a huge difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.”
Lucy Price, Development Consultant – Early Careers Lead at Paragon, said:
“We have a sustainability strategy and a key part of that involves positively impacting our local communities. Here in Solihull, it’s about helping young people who need a little extra support, by providing them with equipment to aid them with things like their studies, job applications or arranging accommodation. It’s the first time we’ve been involved with a partnership like this and we’re looking forward to seeing the difference this makes for young people on their journeys towards independence.”
The first community parenting board was held on Wednesday 28 February where representatives from a wide range of organisations joined together to discuss the next steps of this community parenting journey.
Co-chaired by the Council’s assistant director for corporate parenting and a care experienced young person, the meeting was well attended by representatives from: Balfour Beatty, Barclays Bank, Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Carers Trust Solihull, CAVA, Citizens Advice, Fitcap, GMI Construction Group, Heart Shaped Decisions (CiC), John Lewis Solihull, Paragon Bank, Prologis, Solihull College & University Centre, Solihull Moors Foundation, and Support for Life UK.
People shared their experiences and explained how they are already supporting children and young people, plus what they can offer in the future. This ranges from offering work experience and apprenticeship/internship opportunities, supporting with interview practice, and providing experience in skilled trades.
Organisations interested in getting involved can email communityparenting@solihull.gov.uk
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