As a law firm, we strive to operate fairly and reasonably while maximising our positive impact on the communities where we work. We believe strong corporate responsibility benefits not only our clients but also the wider community.

Our social responsibility commitments include:

• Making a positive contribution to local communities
• Minimising our environmental impact
• Investing in diverse talent
• Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace
• Collaborating ethically in the marketplace

Supporting the YMCA Big Sleep Easy

Since 2018, Lester Aldridge has proudly supported YMCA Bournemouth’s Big Sleep Easy, a flagship fundraising event that challenges individuals and businesses to spend a night sleeping rough in a safe environment to raise awareness and vital funds for those facing homelessness in Dorset.

Over the years, more than 40 of our team members have taken part, collectively raising over £27,500 to support YMCA Bournemouth’s homelessness services. Our commitment extends beyond participation; we are the event’s flagship partner and have been the Headline School Sponsor for several consecutive years, supporting the YMCA’s School Sleep Easy initiative that engages young people with social issues.

By spending a night outdoors, our participants gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by those without secure housing, while helping to raise crucial funds that directly support homelessness services in our community.

Lester Aldridge’s ongoing support reflects our broader commitment to social responsibility and tackling homelessness, a cause that remains urgent amid rising numbers of people sleeping rough across England and Wales.

Our ESG Days: Giving Back to Our Communities

As part of our environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) commitments, Lester Aldridge staff regularly take part in ESG Days, volunteering with local charities and community projects. These days provide hands-on support to important causes and foster team spirit.

Recent examples include:

• Real Estate Development Team: Volunteered at Prama Charity Superstore, supporting vital services for older people by pricing items, tidying the shop floor, assisting on tills, and sorting donations.
• Marketing Team: Packed over 200 Christmas boxes at Ukraine Relief UK for teenagers in Ukraine, spreading festive joy to those in need.
• Commercial Group: Assisted The National Trust at Kingston Lacy estate with pond clearance, branch trimming, and water reed raking.
• Compliance Team: Volunteered at Waggy Tails Rescue in Wimborne, helping with gardening and de-weeding to support the care and rehoming of dogs.

Additional Charity and Fundraising Activities

Lester Aldridge teams actively participate in a wide range of other charitable events and initiatives throughout the year, including:

• Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, supporting vital children’s causes.
• The LA Marine Coastal Walk: a 16km sponsored walk from Barton-on-Sea to Lymington to raise funds for the Andrew Simpson Foundation.
• Participation in the Saffery Law Firm Go-Karting Event, raising money for Lewis-Manning Hospice.
• Teams running the Poole Pretty Muddy 5k to support Cancer Research UK.
• The Southampton Legal Walk, a sponsored 10km walk raising funds for legal advice agencies in Hampshire.
• Sahara Trek 2024, where Trainee Solicitor Grace Long and her team braved scorching heat to raise over £30,000 for The Katie Piper Foundation.

Other Community Initiatives

For over 25 years, Lester Aldridge has been a proud supporter of the Dorset Business Awards. We are a Premier Partner of Dorset Chamber, Champions of Business South, and actively engaged with the Bournemouth Property Association (BPA) and Southampton Property Association (SPA).

Further strengthening our community ties, Lester Aldridge joined AFC Bournemouth as an Executive Regional Partner for the 2024/25 football season, supporting one of Dorset’s most iconic sports teams.