£200k fund released to combat social exclusion
£200k fund released to combat social exclusion
The VINCI UK Foundation has awarded a total of £201,834 in grants – between £3,000 and £15,000 – to 33 local charitable projects across the UK and Republic of Ireland promoting social integration and cohesion.
In addition to receiving funds for the purchase or upgrade of transport, equipment or facilities, each project is sponsored by at least one VINCI employee who will offer their time and skills over a 12-month period.
“One of our goals at VINCI is to have a positive impact on the communities we work in – and the grants and sponsorships offered through the VINCI UK Foundation provide a tangible way for us to achieve this. Many of the charities are personal to our sponsors and it is an honour and a privilege to assist their incredible work in whatever small way we can,” says Ruth Ottley, head coordinator for the VINCI UK Foundation.
This year’s chosen charities include:
- A-T Society
Sponsored by Freyssinet, the A-T Society supports children and families affected by ataxia-telangiectasia disorder through initial diagnosis, medical treatment, and the challenges of everyday living. The Hertfordshire-based charity will use the £10,000 VINCI UK Foundation grant to develop videos and other digital resources that improve access to health information, independence, and wellbeing.
- Exeter Community Initiatives
Sponsored by Eurovia, Exeter Community Initiatives involves people facing poverty, inequality and homelessness across Devon in community projects to boost their wellbeing and skill sets – and get their lives on track. The £4,974 grant from the VINCI UK Foundation will equip a workshop where those struggling with mental health issues, addiction and unemployment can learn woodwork/carpentry, sewing/upholstering and design to refurbish and upcycle furniture. By volunteering in the shop-front, participants will also develop valuable retail skills.
- Firefly Cancer Awareness & Support
Sponsored by VINCI Energies UK & RoI, Firefly Cancer Awareness & Support runs a fleet of eight vehicles offering free transport to cancer patients and their families in the borough of Doncaster to regional treatment hospitals. The charity will use the £10,000 grant from the VINCI UK Foundation to replace a vehicle that has reached the end of its serviceable life, thereby sustaining the level of service it provides to the local community.
- iCan Health & Fitness
Sponsored by Nuvia, iCan Health & Fitness is a community-run sports facility in Carlisle for women who might not feel comfortable or welcome at a typical gym. iCan offers fitness classes and programmes to help marginalised or vulnerable women take responsibility for their own health in line with social prescribing and the NHS long-term plan, boosting their wellbeing and reducing insolation. The £10,000 grant from the VINCI UK Foundation will pay for refurbishments at the facility.
- Independence at Home
Sponsored by VINCI Construction, Harrow-based Independence at Home provides grants towards the purchase of equipment to help people living with disabilities or long-term illness increase their mobility and independence. Specialist equipment allows them to visit shops, for example, or join in with school or social activities, which they would otherwise be excluded from doing. The £3,200 contribution from the VINCI UK Foundation will help Independence at Home meet its goal of supporting an additional 50 people in 2020.
- South Buckinghamshire Riding for the Disabled Association
Sponsored by Bachy Soletanche, the South Buckinghamshire Riding for the Disabled Association provides lessons for children and adults with a range of disabilities, helping them to reap the self-confidence, fitness and wellbeing benefits of horse riding. The VINCI UK Foundation has awarded the association £9,111 to refurbish its kitchen facilities, ensuring a safe and hygienic space for volunteers and staff to eat and socialise.
- Young Futures
Sponsored by VINCI Construction Grands Projets, Young Futures offers support, therapy and accommodation for young people leaving local authority care, helping them avoid unemployment, homelessness, exploitation and crime, and fulfil their potential. Young Futures will use the £14,000 VINCI UK Foundation grant to refurbish its central London community flats, where care-leavers can learn – in a safe and supportive environment – the realities of independent living and the life skills they need to secure and keep permanent housing.
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