FEATURE
Two challenges to boost wellbeing
Walking from home
In 2021, people were still struggling with the impacts of the pandemic. We wanted to do something positive to help boost everyone's wellbeing, enable teams to bond and get people moving again. Simultaneously we also wanted to take action to help combat COVID-19.
To tackle both, we created 'Walking from home, together', a virtual around the world race from Canada to Australia, stopping off at a few Taylor Wessing locations en route.
Taking place over nine weeks between 27 January and 31 March 2021, teams of up to seven people from across our UK offices walked, ran, cycled, swam and more to help fundraise for St John Ambulance.
We chose St John Ambulance in recognition of how hard its volunteers worked to take care of us all during the vital vaccine roll out. We wanted to give back in any small way that was valuable, and that was also positive for people's wellbeing.
We celebrated our achievements with a virtual prize giving ceremony, covering multiple categories including:
- overall winner
- top fundraiser
- most creative photo
- most improved individual
- most steps recorded.
At the end of the challenge our people raised over £21,000 in funds which contributed to helping the charity's vital public health role alongside the NHS in the fight against COVID-19.
Working from home can be lonely, but carving out time for getting out really acts as a reset mentally.
Neill Taylor
Head of Finance Systems, Accounting our Steps team captain
After the success of our ‘Walking from home, together’ challenge, earlier this year we once again partnered with Virgin Pulse for Move More.
Kicking off in February, over nine weeks 302 colleagues across 50 teams walked a total of 88,332 miles.
In recognition of this fantastic effort the firm’s Charity and Community committee donated £200 for each team taking part to charity. £5,000 went to St Jude’s Primary School and £5,000 went to Roundhouse's Round the Houses challenge.
There’s always a new challenge to keep us motivated.
Joanne Dillon
Data Steward, Risk Management
Here's a photo of me and my mum getting our steps up whilst on a family walk with the dogs enjoying a bit of fresh air and exercise!
Clare Johnston
Senior Talent Business Partner
Morning practice at my archery club. I currently hold one club record, and my overall goal is to shoot consistently well at Olympic archery distance.
Liam Croucher
Trainee Solicitor