More colleagues from Essex & Suffolk Water stepped up to support their local communities in a landmark year for the company’s employee volunteering programme, Just an Hour.
In 2025, more than 2,100 employees volunteered for good causes across the company’s operating areas - including Essex & Suffolk, demonstrating the company’s longstanding commitment to making a positive difference across the regions it serves.
Colleagues completed 3,383 volunteering activities, supporting almost 1,000 charitable causes, from preparing food at local foodbanks to building outdoor classrooms at schools, and tidying up animal rescue centres to collecting, packing and distributing Christmas presents for local families in need, to hundreds of its people litter picking at local beaches.
Colleagues also joined forces with environmental partners to complete habitat restoration projects, as well as fundraising for charities close to their hearts, which was supported by the company’s Cheque it Out employee sponsorship scheme.
There were an extra 243 colleagues volunteering in 2025, and an extra 652 activities, compared to 2024.The company’s award-winning employee volunteering initiative, Just an Hour, supports people to take time out of their working day, to give back to causes aligned with personal passion and company values. The scheme recently gained national recognition, winning ‘Best Community Initiative’ at the 2025 Corporate Comms Awards.
Vicky Cairns, Partnerships Consultant at Northumbrian Water said:
“We’re immensely proud of the different ways in which we give back to our local communities, whether that’s through in-kind donations, charitable grants, sponsorship, or help from our national award-winning employee volunteering programme, Just an Hour.
“Supporting our local communities to help make a positive difference is in our DNA and something we feel passionate about. It’s important we continue to connect with our communities, giving back where we can, and empowering our people to do good things. We want everyone to feel supported to make a difference to the causes closest to their hearts.”
Charities across Essex & Suffolk Water’s operating areas have praised the initiative’s impact, noting the value of hands-on support, specialist skills, and the enthusiasm of volunteers who consistently “go above and beyond”.
Rossella Inguscio, Senior Corporate Fundraiser at Havens Hospice said:
“The incredible support we’ve received from Essex & Suffolk Water has had a meaningful impact on our work and the local community. From supporting our events to playing a vital role in delivering an unforgettable experience for our runners at Race4Business by marshalling the course, their team’s dedication has been nothing short of inspiring.
“Volunteering truly brings people together, and their commitment has been instrumental in enabling us to continue providing essential care and support to those who need it most.
“We can’t wait to see the amazing contributions their team will make in 2025. Thank you for helping us make every day count.”
Following the record-breaking year, the company is already aiming to encourage even more colleagues, particularly those who have never volunteered before, to take part in 2026.
Beyond the community benefits, the initiative also supports personal wellbeing, helping people feel good by doing good, building new skills, strengthening team relationships, and connecting more deeply with the communities the company serves.
Liz Wright, Demand Planning Team Manager in Water Resources at Essex & Suffolk Water, said:
“Helping others and playing an active role in our community has been incredibly rewarding for our team.
“Regardless of what task needs doing and what skills are needed, our people are perfectly placed to make a real and lasting difference.
“These experiences have not only been enjoyable but have also strengthened our connection to the communities we serve. I’m immensely proud of the legacy our team has created. It’s a testament to the power of volunteering and the impact we can have together.”
To find out more about Essex & Suffolk Water’s volunteering initiative, or if you’re a charitable organisation looking for help from volunteers, go to https://www.nwg.co.uk/justanhour