A LAW firm celebrating its 200th anniversary has planned to carry out as many random acts of kindness as possible to give something back to the community.

Birkett Long’s 200 years’ experience has taught the firm that it’s not just about knowing the law, it’s also about the impact it has on residents, employees and clients.

So the firm, which has offices in Colchester, Chelmsford and Basildon, is taking inspiration from Random Acts of Kindness Day, being held today, to carry out as many thoughtful acts as it can throughout 2021.

The first act will be to send calm kits to the staff working for St Helena Hospice’s service SinglePoint - a helpline which co-ordinates care for people in north Essex who may be in their last year of life.

Birkett Long has had a long-standing relationship with the hospice.

In 1986, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, officially opened St Helena Hospice, with Christopher Holmes, the firm’s late senior partner, by her side.

Supporting charities in Essex has been a focus for the firm over the decades.

Since 2002, it has helped to contribute more than £725,000 to various charities.

In addition to charity initiatives, staff will be encouraged to carry out individual acts of kindness throughout the year.

If they have encountered a helpful receptionist or a supplier has gone the extra mile, they will be able to acknowledge them with a little surprise, be it a bunch of flowers or a voucher for a coffee. A client could receive a cake from one of the team on their birthday or a house-warming gift when they complete their purchase.

The firm also plans to donate time, so some staff members may be helping residents with their gardening and painting.

Over the next year the company will be taking a trip down memory lane and looking at its heritage and planning its future.

Martin Hopkins, managing partner, said: “The past year has been so difficult for so many and the coming year may be difficult too. We care for our clients, for each other and for our communities and we hope to make a difference during this time. I am proud to be part of Birkett Long and of all we have achieved as we celebrate this milestone of 200 years.”