Member News
An historic young people’s charity has been thrown a lifeline thanks to office technology company, SOS Group.
Based on the Team Valley, SOS Group supplies and maintains leading brand digital office equipment and offers a full range of office management services. The company pride themselves on their community involvement and have donated more than £300,000 to support charities and community organisations since they set out in business.
Chris Thurgood is a Helpdesk Support Engineer at the company and his son, 12-year-old Jayden Loftus, joined Gateshead Sea Cadets just over a year ago. When the unit’s aging office printer began to cause problems, Jayden knew exactly who they should turn to for help.
Chris says: “Everyone at Gateshead Sea Cadets knows what I do for a living, so I suppose I was the natural person to ask for help!
“I had a chat with the directors at SOS Group and they immediately offered to help by donating a new multi-function device for the charity. I’m so pleased because I know it’s really made a difference to the unit. They have a lot to plan and organise.
“My son, Jayden, has tried lots of other activities that sort of petered out but the Sea Cadets has just stuck. He’s learning new life skills and getting great opportunities like open water swimming, rowing and football. He’s even been away to camp, which he loved. It’s all about making friends and because it’s a charity costs are kept manageable for parents, which is really welcome at the moment.”
Gateshead Sea Cadets has been creating opportunities for local youngsters to have fun, make friends and learn new skills since 1939.
Based at HMS Leviathan on the banks of the Tyne at Pipewellgate, Gateshead Sea Cadets are aged from 10-18.
There are over 14,000 Sea Cadets across the UK and the organisation provides a safe and welcoming environment where young people can stretch themselves by taking part in activities on and off the water.
Liam Vout, Officer in Charge Gateshead Sea Cadets, says: “We’re part of the national Sea Cadets organisation but this unit is an independent charity in our own right, too. That means we rely on a lot of goodwill and donations and SOS Group certainly helped us out when we really needed it.
“We have about 10 cadets who come regularly each week and it’s a great way to access a fun range of activities without costing parents a fortune. We also do a lot with other units regionally, nationally and even internationally.
“It’s a great way for young people to make new friends and broaden their horizons. Our main aim is to help equip them with skills that will be useful whatever they go on to do with their lives.”
Established in 2002, SOS Group supplies and maintains leading brand digital office equipment and offers a full range of office management services, including unified communications, IT support, document management, cost consultation and managed print services.
The company has a strong reputation in the events industry and has provided digital office equipment services at competitions including the IAAF World Athletics Championships, the Special Olympics GB National Games, British Swimming Summer Championships and World Para Athletics Championships.
It also works closely with start-up businesses to provide expert office services support and advice.
For more information, please visit www.sosgroup-ltd.co.uk.
