Our colleagues | Our chosen charity
Reaching new heights for Ambitious about Autism
In June, Mercer invited clients to join the annual walk that coincided with the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Aocciation (PLSA) Investment Conference. The mission: to raise money for our charity partner, Ambitious about Autism.
Mercer offered two walking routes - one that would take you to the top of Arthur’s Seat, and another, shorter, but equally scenic route. Both walks promised to provide plenty of fresh air and stunning views of the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
With an early start time of 9am, over 77 walkers gathered for breakfast before setting off. Mercer made it a priority to support sustainable practices by providing all walkers with a reusable coffee cup with refills throughout the day, and when the walkers returned from their journey, they were treated to a well-earned cup of tea and cake.
The walk raised £2,230.00 for Ambitious about Autism, helping to make a difference in the lives of autistic children and young people. Here's to many more incredible walks and fantastic fundraising initiatives in the future!
Pictured: Colleagues and clients on the walk to Arthur’s Seat.
Pictured: Colleagues and clients gather at the top of Arthur’s Seat.
Ambitious about Autism
Ambitious about Autism is Marsh McLennan's UK Strategic Charity Partner for 2021-2024. They are a national charity for children and young people with autism, that provide specialist education and employment services, raise awareness and understanding, and campaign for change.
Client, Lindsay Shepherd, Head of European Marketing at Arena Investors LP, reports from Arthur's seat
Scaling Edinburgh’s ancient volcano to Arthur’s Seat on a crisp June morning ahead of the PLSA's multi-day conference was no easy feat, but Mercer fuelled it with an enthusiastic battalion of industry trailblazers, new and old alike, and we made it to the top - over 250 metres!
I loved the fresh air and my bird’s eye tour of Edinburgh and The Kingdom of Fife, made especially memorable due to the narration by Sathish Ramdayal and additional commentary from Peter Gent - Sathish even dropped a scholarly reference or two to Macbeth!
I look forward to summiting with the Mercer team and friends next year and plan to bring my dog, Tuppence, to join the other pups on the annual charity walk.
Thank you for organising another excellent event, Team Mercer, and for bringing awareness and raising an impressive amount of money in support of Ambitious about Autism.
Ambitious about Autism from Lewis Boost's perspective
Did you know only 29% of autistic young people are in full time education or employment? Our UK Strategic Charity partnership with Ambitious about Autism is here to change that.
Together we are helping to create brighter futures for autistic young people by empowering talent and unlocking opportunities. All our colleague fundraising efforts are directed towards Employ Autism, a national employability programme to help bridge the gap from education to employment.
Hear from Lewis Boost, a Data Analysis Administrator based in Leatherhead, who joined Mercer through the programme.
“I wouldn’t be in this role today were it not for the Employ Autism programme. I was made aware of the programme after I made contact with my local autism support charity, Autism Bedfordshire, to help find employment. When you have autism, the process of applying for jobs can be especially stressful as there are many unknowns. This means that trying to find employment without the right support in place can be a struggle.
However, with my work coach that Autism Bedfordshire allocated to me, I learned about the Employ Autism programme. Through this, I was able to apply for roles that specifically catered to those with my condition. As a young person beginning their career, it can be especially difficult to find opportunities that are appropriate for those who have autism, and those that you do find can often be very competitive. I was assured that the employers who engage with the Ambitious about Autism scheme will be willing to provide the support required for autistic people to be successful.
In my interview and since starting my role, there has been ample opportunity to convey the extra support I might require. This includes clear instructions regarding what tasks must be completed for each deadline, and clear feedback so that I know where to make improvements so that I can achieve my potential and work productively. Everyone so far has been very understanding and willing to take any concerns I might have seriously.”
How you can get involved
As an Employ Autism partner, Marsh McLennan UK has made a commitment to provide up to 50 paid placements for autistic young people by 2024.
If you are interested in learning more about Employ Autism or hosting a paid placement in your team please contact Leah Kalisky.
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Lisa Wilford Marketing and Events Manager Mercer
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Rachel Wheeler Senior Social Impact Programme Manager, UK
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