STAFF from a Worcester housing firm have chosen their Charity of the Year.

Employees of social housing and care provider Sanctuary Housing will be holding a series of fundraising events and collections throughout the year to support its chosen charity, Onside Independent Advocacy.

Onside is a Worcester-base charity in 1993 to provide a voice for people who are disadvantaged due to disability, mental health, dementia, learning difficulties, old age or other health issues while providing support to protect them from neglect, abuse or exploitation.

Sanctuary hosted a launch event at their Worcester office, on Castle Street, which saw three service users from Onside speak about how their lives have been changed by the charity.

Craig Moule, group chief executive at Sanctuary Group, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Onside and recognise the value of the work they do in the community, which aligns with our own charitable objectives.

“I am certain that our staff will put a great deal of effort and determination into the partnership, supporting this important charity so it can continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Kate Harvey, Onside’s chief executive, added: “We believe everyone should be treated with respect and have the support they need to enable them to make informed decisions about their lives.

“Sanctuary’s support will be a huge boost to the efforts of our advocates and mentors. "They have been working tirelessly across the county for the last 25 years to help vulnerable people to lead the best lives possible and become more involved and respected in their communities.”

Onside provides mentoring and shared activities to prevent vulnerable people from becoming isolated in the community as well as getting local businesses involved by offering volunteering roles and offering daycare and residential support to those in need.