JPMorgan Chase and AFC Bournemouth have today announced a new collaboration to create a number of community projects looking to improve diversity and inclusion, mental health and career guidance for local disadvantaged and vulnerable adults in Bournemouth.
Examples of programmes the organisations will collaborate on are:
‘Bounce Back’, in partnership with Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), supporting local vulnerable adults in achieving independent sustained living via a combination of classroom and practical learning activities.
Show Racism the Red Card events, consisting of educational days for school children that are hosted annually at the stadium. They involve a question-and-answer session with a panel, which normally consists of a male and female player, as well as a member of staff from the campaign.
Educational and interactive diversity and inclusion workshops for staff and local primary and secondary school students. These sessions will focus on encouraging inclusivity and assisting everyone in becoming an ally to all.
“This project has been several years in the making and we are delighted to now be working with AFC Bournemouth to develop long-term projects to have a real and positive impact on the local community in Bournemouth,” says Lottie Forte, volunteering and community relations at JPMorgan Chase.
“Our employees are excited to team up with our friends at AFC Bournemouth and explore the many different ways to make a real difference within the community.”
JPMorgan Chase has a history of investing in the careers of Black students and leaders through its global Advancing Black Pathways Programme. For instance, the firm announced a £2 million philanthropic investment in 2020 to support non-profit organisations in London that are led by Black and ethnic minority leaders and launched a £4.8 million endowment fund to improve the access and employability opportunities for underserved, low-income and Black and minority ethnic university students in the UK, starting with 350 students in the next ten years.
The initial collaboration is set for an 18 month period with a review to take place during that time.
Four main areas have been identified as the starting point although others will be added as we learn more about impact.
Diversity, Education and Inclusion.
Mental Health
Personal development and career guidance
Local disadvantaged and vulnerable adults.
Steve Cuss has held the role of head of community at AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust for a number of years.
“I have been very fortunate to have had the backing of Jeff Mostyn, our chairman and Rob Mitchell, commercial director and consequently my team has been able to bring some real benefits to the area.
“Our chairman believes this partnership could not have come at a better time and described it as Utopia! With these two organisations joining forces to boost the local community, we’re really excited to get started.”
The launch event at JPMorgan Chase was attended by personnel and also viewed on-line. A panel consisted of Lorna Jeffery, Hannah Elson, Lottie Forte, Jeff Mostyn, Rob Mitchell and Steve Cuss who all gave their thoughts on the project and answered questions.
