SWINDON-based Bespoke Training Services has appointed Prospect Hospice as its first charity of the year.

Established in 1980 in Swindon, Prospect Hospice is the only dedicated end-of-life care service for people living in its community, bringing care, comfort and confidence around the clock, every single day of the year, at life’s most difficult time.

The partnership marks the first official appointment of a charity partner by Swindon-based Bespoke Training Services - the region’s leading learning and development provider.

Anne Messer, Bespoke’s founder and managing director, said: “Our partnership with Prospect Hospice is one that the whole team at Bespoke are incredibly excited and hugely proud of. To be able to support the wonderful work of the hospice through our day to day efforts, to help raise awareness of and donations towards the exceptional care provided by the staff and volunteers - which one day we ourselves may require – is a privilege. As organisations we share some key core values: we are passionate, we personalise our respective services and we do the very best we can to ensure excellence in our field. This can only help to ensure an enjoyable and successful partnership. Not to mention, as a team, we are totally committed to taking up a physical challenge or two in support of our partner charity.”

Genevieve Arney, events and community manager at Prospect Hospice said: “We are absolutely delighted to be appointed as Bespoke’s Charity of the year. Partnerships like this are invaluable to local charities such as ours, helping us to widen our reach in terms of awareness and financial support, engage more widely with new audiences and support the development of our services and care for generations to come. We are really looking forward to working with the team at Bespoke throughout 2018.”

The ambition for 2018 is for Bespoke to raise an amazing £5,000 for Prospect House, which will pay for six days of day therapy for up to 120 people.

Genevieve explained: “Patients attending this service have the chance to take part in activities such as art or horticulture therapy, access treatments like physiotherapy to help improve mobility, and most importantly meet others who may be going through a similar experience as they are.“ Along with a pledge by the company to donate 10% of any fee generated by eligible customers, fundraising activity will include Prospect Hospice collection tins being available at Bespoke’s complementary tea and coffee stations during training days and events, where delegates will be welcome to make a donation. Signage and information about the hospice will also be available for anyone wishing to find out more.

The dedicated team will also take part in a number of key fundraising events organised by the hospice through the year, including a team entry for the Starlight Walk at 8pm on Saturday, June 30th 2018, at Swindon Town Football Club, with a suggested fundraising target of £100 (in an addition to the entry fee): www.prospect-hospice.net/starlight. Other members of the Bespoke team and their children will be entering the Run the Rainbow run at 10am on Saturday, September 8th 2018 at Lydiard Park: www.prospect-hospice.net/runtherainbow Anne commented: “2018 is certainly set to be an exciting year for our clients and ourselves – with a real focus on purpose, people and personal and professional development. We started the year with a refreshed brand – who we are and what we do – and launched our Sales Excellence Training division to complement our existing portfolio of core services. We’ve launched a brand new website, are extending our digital offering with a series of not-to-be missed, professional, solutions-based sales webinars and are embarking on our exciting charitable partnership with Prospect House. I’d say we’re refreshed and ready for 2018!”

You can follow Bespoke’s fundraising progress in support of Prospect Hospice at @bespoketrain and @Prospecthospice