Freeport Braintree launches community partnership with First Stop Centre

Freeport Braintree is launching a community partnership with Essex-based charity First Stop Centre, who provide wide-ranging support for local people, including counselling, education and help back into work.

Located in Bocking End, Braintree, the First Stop Centre offers support to people from the community including ex-offenders, long-term unemployed and homeless people.

James Cleverly MP, Member of Parliament for Braintree, will join Caroline Hill, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Landsec, owners of Freeport Braintree, to mark the launch of the partnership. Freeport Braintree’s Centre Manager and Rachael Stone, First Stop Centre Manager, will also attend the event.

The partnership is being launched with a grant awarded by Landsec’s Retail Community Fund, which is designed to help charities to create jobs and opportunities.

Freeport Braintree will also support attendees of First Stop Centre’s employability sessions, by providing job packs with details of their vacancies. A monthly champion, who has moved back into work, will also be recognised by the team and will receive a certificate of achievement and a Freeport Braintree gift card. Freeport Braintree will also continue to assist the charity through staff volunteering and pro-bono support.

Caroline Hill, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Landsec, says: “We are very proud to be working with First Stop Centre. At Landsec, creating jobs and opportunities within local communities is a key driver of our sustainability strategy and First Stop Centre echoes our values by offering ongoing support to those who need it most within their community.”

Josef O’Sullivan, Freeport Braintree Centre Manager, says: “We chose First Stop Centre because the organisation is something of a hidden jewel. The charity quietly goes about their business by helping a large number of people with individual needs and challenges, and yet always values each and every person they engage with.”

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About Freeport Braintree

Set in a relaxing village environment, Freeport Braintree is the premier outlet in Essex that offers an escape from the stresses of city shopping. Freeport Braintree offers a wide choice of fashion, homeware, fragrances, accessories and gift ideas from designer and high street stores including M&S Outlet, Next and GAP Outlet – more than 85 stores with up 60% off everyday prices. There is also a wealth of locations in which to refuel too – whether it’s a light bite at Costa Coffee or a delicious lunch at Pizza Express. Parking is totally FREE for up to 6 hours and there is late night shopping every Thursday until 8pm. For more information visit www.freeport-braintree.com

About Landsec

At Landsec, we believe great places are for people to experience and are made with the experience of great people. As the UK’s largest listed commercial property company, with 23.7 million sq ft of real estate and a portfolio valued at £14.2 billion, we own and manage some of the most successful and recognisable assets in the country.

In London, our portfolio totals more than £7.8 billion, and consists of 6.5 million sq ft of real estate. From the world-famous Piccadilly Lights to the transformation of Victoria, SW1, we deliver exceptional experiences for the businesses and people that live and work in, and visit, the capital.

In Retail, across our 17.2 million sq ft of assets, we create outstanding experiences for customers and guests alike. Combined with the strength and resilience of our portfolio, this means we regularly outperform industry benchmarks for footfall and sales. We offer more than convenience and choice, recognising that memorable destinations are key to attracting the shoppers and retailers of today, and tomorrow.

We also aim to lead our industry in critical long-term issues – from diversity and community employment, to carbon and climate resilience. Everything we do is grounded in experience and begins with people. We deliver value for our shareholders, great experiences for our customers and positive change for our communities. At Landsec, everything is experience.