Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Giving this page the title Corporate Social Responsibility seems a rather fancy way of describing what has always been the intended model for Uniquely Local. From the very early days when Ema and I were defining what we wanted the business to be, local businesses and communities were always at the very heart of our plans. We wanted to be able to give back, whether that meant time or money, to the communities where we made money from selling experiences.
It’s taken a while to formalise this plan into the three areas we have today but we now have a model we can build on in the future as we expand into different areas of the country.
Local Environmental Support
We have an environmental policy here which explains our efforts to be more ethical and sustainable. In addition to this we have chosen to work with Make it Wild, a local business dedicated to rewilding and tree planting.
We have partnered with them to list their seasonal foraging and mindfulness walks experiences for free in the hope that we can help spread the word about their fantastic business.
We have also pledged to annually offset 24 tonnes of CO2e through planting of trees at their site at Dowgill Grange, Summerbridge, North Yorkshire.
Support for Local Charities
A couple of years ago one of our experience providers asked us if we would donate some money to her chosen charity Zarach. I’d never heard of this charity when she first mentioned them but after a looking at their website and instagram account it was clear to see that it was a much needed and very worthy cause indeed. Zarach provide beds, bedding, pyjamas and other necessary items to children living in poverty crisis in Leeds to give ‘Give Every Head a Bed.’ Founded by the completely inspirational Bex Wilson (just watch one of her videos on instagram), an Assistant Head Teacher at an inner-city Primary School in Leeds after she witnessed first hand children unable to learn because their basic needs weren’t being met. At the time of writing this Zarach have successfully delivered over 1600 bed bundles and have 200+ schools in their referral network. If you want to read more or feel compelled to help, here is the link to donate.
We’re always happy to support local charities with raffle prizes and giveaways, obviously we can’t help everyone but we do select as many as we can each year so please do get in touch with your requests.
Supporting Local Arts & Culture
We believe that art and culture has a vital role to play in bringing communities together; increasing people’s capacity for life (helping them to understand, interpret and adapt to the world around them); and as a tool for social change.
We’ve chosen to support the work of The Tetley in Leeds by listing their experiences, workshops and events for free on our website and promoting them through our social media accounts. It is only a small gesture and costs us nothing but our time but hopefully helps raise their profile.
The Tetley is a pioneering centre for contemporary art located in the stunning art deco headquarters of the former Tetley Brewery. They work with communities and young people in Leeds to collaboratively explore art, making and ideas. They support and develop local artists providing support, investment and development time and space.