To launch the new partnership, Lucy Buck, CEO at The Good Company People visited our offices to tell TeamCB more about the support provided by the charity. There she was welcomed by CooperBurnett’s Charity Committee, Lisa Connolly, Katie Hilsdon and Ayla Clissold.
Based in Crowborough – and with its new HQ opening very soon – The Good Company People is a group of carers, community members, volunteers and people with lived experience of ageing and dementia. Its vision is ‘a world where everyone over 65 at risk of loneliness, including people experiencing cognitive changes or dementia, and those who care for them, can live healthier, happier and longer lives in their homes and communities’.
“We are thrilled and thankful to have CooperBurnett LLP onboard; this is a very exciting charity partnership with so much potential,” Lucy explained. “I can see so many parallels with the way we operate – with both The Good Company People and CooperBurnett built on trust. We meet people at pivotal moments in their lives; moments that feel uncertain and overwhelmed; moments where clarity and kindness matter.”
The charity came about following Lucy’s experience of caring for her late Mother, Hazel, after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and supporting her through a system that often felt ‘clinical, disconnected’ or ‘one size fits all’.
Soon after her diagnosis, Hazel said: “I want to continue to do my hobbies, in familiar places, with people whose company I enjoy.”
When somebody first visits The Good Company People – and that ideally comes at an early stage when their world is shrinking and feeling lonely, experiencing cognitive changes or living with dementia - they are matched with a ‘concierge’ who is their single point of contact. They get to know the new member as a person, understanding their life story, health and mobility, dementia journey, communication needs and, importantly, what they love to do and activities that bring them joy and engagement.
“Here, dignity, agency, connection and joy are not optional,” said Lucy.
The Good Company People is designed by its members and during a single month, there are many different clubs members can engage with, depending on their interests – from snooker and cinema to craft and walking. Over the past year, more than 350 members have been supported, there’s been over 4,500 hours of connection, more than 320 clubs delivered and 53 volunteers trained.
“We were very grateful to Lucy for giving us such a passionate and engaging introduction to The Good Company People,” says Residential Property Partner and Charity Committee member, Lisa Connolly. “We are now busy thinking of ways to raise money for this amazing charity, as well as considering our next big challenge. I think what also really appealed to us all at CooperBurnett was the opportunity to volunteer our time with The Good Company People. We are really looking forward to what we can create together over the next two years.”
