Last week, members of the Hayman-Joyce team spent the day volunteering at The Branch in Chipping Norton—a vibrant community hub that has been making a real difference to people’s lives since its humble beginnings in 2015.

Anna, MacCurrach, Negotiator, and Emma Cattell, Senior Lettings Negotiator, took part in a ‘volunteer celebration day’ at the newly transformed building, supporting the team by helping prepare and serve food to guests attending the event. “We were welcomed so warmly,” said Emma. “It was a privilege to support the work of such a dedicated and inspiring organisation.”

The opportunity to volunteer at The Branch came about through a personal connection. “[I] was introduced to Emma and James Kennedy—who lead the charity—through my daughter, Jules,” said Anna. “Over the years, I’d heard about their incredible efforts to raise funds and transform the old NatWest building in the centre of Chipping Norton. When we were discussing ideas for our Hayman-Joyce volunteer day, Jules immediately suggested The Branch.”

The Branch’s story began with a single debt centre in 2015. It soon expanded to include youth services, parent support sessions, and a Life Skills course. In October 2019, the team behind The Branch purchased the former NatWest bank building. By August 2020, The Branch Trust was founded, and a £5.2 million fundraising campaign to transform the building began in earnest.

Over the following years, planning consent was secured, new initiatives were introduced, and by November 2022, building work had started. Handover took place in May 2024—and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. The new space is light, welcoming and thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of community needs.

During the volunteer celebration, guests—many of whom had never met—came together over lunch to share their stories. Some teach gardening or mentor teenagers; others bake cakes or offer one-to-one support. Every individual plays a vital role in delivering the charity’s vision: to build hope and transform lives.

“Emma and I spent the morning with their community chef, Nick, helping prepare light bites for the celebration,” said Anna. “It was a joy to be involved and to hear more about the different ways people give their time to support this work.”

The Branch is committed to breaking down barriers—whether it’s rural isolation, poverty, domestic abuse, or poor mental health. With values rooted in hope, compassion, collaboration and transformation, it creates opportunities for people to grow, connect and rebuild.

In their Facebook post, The Branch Trust said: “A huge THANK YOU to Anna and Emma from Hayman-Joyce for choosing to spend their volunteering day with us at The Branch! Together with our Community Chef and some of our young people, they helped prepare delicious canapés for a thank you party celebrating our incredible volunteers. We’re so grateful for your support — thank you, Hayman-Joyce!

“Our small contribution felt genuinely appreciated,” said Emma. “And we can both say with confidence that if you ever walk through the doors of The Branch—whether you’re there to help or to ask for help—you’ll be met with kindness and a very warm welcome.”

To find out more about The Branch and how you can support its mission, visit The Branch Trust.