We are super proud to announce that Elm Workspace and Essex Group are getting behind new charity STAR Scheme whose mission is through the sport of rugby, to make a material difference to the lives of young people who are suffering or have suffered adverse childhood experiences.

Our Managing Director, Daren Spencer, Sandie Mills and the Elm Shareholders were inspired to join the cause by founder of STAR Scheme, Dan Wooler. Dan set up the charity in November 2020 and over the last two years it has gained traction, starting in rural Bristol and now expanding across the South West.

Dan said, “In 2020, during the Covid lockdowns, a small group of Chew Valley RFC members met to discuss how the club could further impact the lives of young people in their immediate surroundings. From this conversation STAR Scheme was born.

“We know that in order for young people to overcome the impact of multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), they need to build resilience through relationships with trusted adults; grassroots rugby is the perfect space for this to happen. “We provide all that the young person and family need to enable them to engage with the sport, including kit and transport. We work with rugby clubs to provide specific training to ensure that the adults are informed and equipped to provide the support and space that the young person needs. We are committed to ensuring that ACEs are never a barrier to involvement in sport, or indeed life and work.

Everyone at STAR Scheme is passionate about developing children and young people into leaders of the future. Daren Spencer, Director, Elm Workspace and Essex Group, said, “I’ve known Dan for quite some time through his company TC Group which supplies office and education furniture to our businesses. When we learnt more about the work of STAR Scheme we wanted to support and help make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Elm Workspace and The Essex Group have a number of fundraising activities planned in 2023 to support STAR Scheme, including a 100K walk which will be taking place later in the year. Sandie is also making a personal contribution by volunteering to help young players find apprenticeship and work experience opportunities. Sandie Mills, from Elm Workspace and Essex Group, said, “Having worked in the Apprenticeship and Work Experience sector before, I am delighted to be working with STAR Scheme to help young people find career opportunities. If you’re a business looking for an apprentice, I would love to hear from you.”

Christian Lang is Managing Director of Star Scheme, he said, “Having Elm Workspace and Essex Group on board and supporting STAR Scheme is going to enable us to deliver our work to some of the most vulnerable young people and families in the region. At STAR Scheme we are passionate about transforming lives and communities through the medium of grassroots rugby.

As passionate rugby fans, Daren and Sandie were able to see the impact that STAR has, and their generous support means that even more young people and families will benefit from the work we do.”

If you are a local business and can help STAR Scheme with apprenticeship opportunities, please email sandie@starscheme.co.uk