Beacon Consultant Services, usually consulting with organisations across the UK on data protection & information security matters were, like many other businesses impacted by lockdown and the economic halt. Instead of taking the rare opportunity to take some time out of their usually busy working life, Peter Berry & Jamie Swan, both directors of the business offered their free labour to a local volunteering group, Volunteering Matters. The group support local councils, social services, and government departments. So life at the office became different, resembling a makeshift call centre, calling those who are vulnerable and isolated to ensure they have a lifeline and someone to talk to, like many of us found, isolation for a prolonged period of time can take its toll.
The eager to help directors also became involved in supporting Bristol’s commuters safely get to their destination when lockdown started to lift by working a few shifts at Bristol’s Bus & Coach station to help with crowd control, social distancing and enforcing the use of face masks.
Peter Berry, director of the consultancy firm said “It’s been a great experience for us, it’s been difficult as it has been for many businesses during recent months, but we were really keen to help out, wherever we could. What better way than to look after those who are vulnerable, elderly, or just alone and isolated. Working at the bus station was a childhood dream come true, so I snapped that opportunity up! We have reflected during this time and realised that the simplest and smallest acts of kindness and meeting as many people as possible, from all walks of life can be so beneficial for many reasons. Volunteering has become a new part of our business.”
If you would like more information on volunteering, contact peter@beaconconsultantservices.co.uk who can put you in touch with the group.