A combined team of 12 colleagues from Bevan Brittan LLP and five BUPA staff went back to school last week to renovate a tired playground and help with sports day at Montem Primary School in Islington, London.

This was one scheme organised by London Better Together Day – an initiative aiming to bring together thousands of business volunteers across the capital’s workforce on one day each year in order to make a positive impact on people’s lives in deprived areas.

The firms took up the challenge on Friday 15 June, jumping at the chance to help the community primary school. The group helped run a sports’ day and also whitewashed a playground wall, did some gardening and painted a car park wall opposite the staff room to brighten up the teacher’s break times.

Trish O’Meara, Assistant Solicitor at Bevan Brittan, and one of the team leaders on the day, said: “We had an excellent day at the school and were really pleased to deliver all that we promised on the day. The staff and children clearly enjoyed the whole experience which was really rewarding.

“It was also a fantastic opportunity to work with BUPA. They are one of our clients so the day gave us an opportunity to get to know them better and further cement our working relationship.”

The school’s Headteacher, Mrs Sue Seifert, said "Montem School has a diverse community, some of our 464 children live in temporary accommodation and women's shelters and mobility is high. The school celebrates the fact that there are so many different languages and cultures.

“I cannot underestimate how this day has helped the school. The Bevan Brittan and BUPA team ran a wonderful day, giving children the opportunity to develop their gardening and sports skills. It enriched their lives being with other adults from a different walk of life.”