Stop. Look. Support. A simple way to help local causes when you’re on a budget

This week I had the chance to visit Warning Zone in Leicester, a children’s safety centre that delivers an immersive education experience to Year 6 pupils across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Through a series of real-life scenarios, the centre helps children understand the risks they may face as they grow more independent, from road safety and fire hazards to peer pressure, alcohol and online grooming. 

Sessions at the centre go beyond traditional classroom learning, with children taking part in immersive, hands-on experiences designed to reflect real-world settings, from railway crossings and building sites to a typical home environment. Each zone encourages exploration, discussion and practical decision-making, helping young people recognise risks and understand how to respond to them in everyday situations. 

They also run a dedicated e-safety zone, styled as a retro fairground, which tackles digital risks like cyberbullying and online predators in a way that reflects the kinds of online situations children might come across. 

In 2024 alone, more than 11,000 children from 262 primary, independent and SEN schools across the county visited the centre. What makes this even more impressive is that the entire operation is funded without any statutory support. As a registered charity, they rely solely on grants, donations, volunteers and business partnerships to keep the centre running. 

Right now, Warning Zone is looking for new corporate partners to support two key education zones: construction safety and road safety. These areas teach children how to recognise the dangers posed by heavy vehicles, roadworks and live construction environments, and how to stay safe around them. 

For businesses in sectors like construction, logistics, highways or housebuilding, this is a chance to support targeted safety education while strengthening your connection to the communities you operate in. It’s also a way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety, contribute to early intervention and prevention, and raise awareness of your sector in a responsible, community-focused way. 

While they are currently seeking support for these two specific zones, Warning Zone is also keen to hear from any business interested in getting involved. 

Of course, not every business is in a position to support charities in this way, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. If you don’t have the budget to offer financial support, there are still practical ways to help. Sharing a charity's work, introducing them to people in your network, and helping to raise their profile can go a long way in helping local organisations build momentum and find the support they need. 

Writing this blog is a practical example of this. Using this platform to raise awareness of a local cause is a great way to get the charity’s message out there in the hope it reaches someone who is able to offer support. It’s a simple way to highlight a charity and the work they do, and it’s something any business can do. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about supporting Warning Zone, you can contact their fundraising and marketing manager, Richard Grudgings, at 
📩 [email protected] 

You can also learn more about their work here: 
🔗 www.warningzone.org.uk 

Warning Zone is a fantastic charity doing vital work in the county. If you’re based in Leicestershire and are looking for a local cause to support, this is a great place to start.

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