Wienerberger UK & Ireland has launched a partnership with homelessness charity Emmaus UK as it begins to implement its first ever social impact strategy.
Under the agreement, Wienerberger will contribute £10,000 to Emmaus UK's Companion Training Fund. The programme provides grants to residents of Emmaus UK communities, enabling them to acquire valuable skills and qualifications for employment.
Priority will be given, when feasible, to allocating funds for companions interested in pursuing training and education opportunities within the broader construction industry.
The partnership will also allow for product donations to build and/or renovate Emmaus UK’s buildings, and opportunities for Wienerberger’s employees to volunteer for the charity
Robyn Cummins, Director of Fundraising and Influence, Emmaus UK, commented: “Emmaus is really excited about the future of our partnership with Wienerberger. With the combination of a corporate donation, colleague fundraising, training opportunities and product donations, we look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on our companions and communities.”
There is a growing crisis of housing insecurity within the UK, with the housing and homeless charity Shelter estimating that over one million households are waiting for social homes, and at least 300,000 people are thought to be homeless in England, with a 27% rise in rough sleeping in the past year alone.
Wienerberger's inaugural social impact strategy focuses on addressing housing insecurity through meaningful action. The initiative aims to prevent individuals from losing their homes, support those at risk, and assist people experiencing housing crises in rebuilding their lives. The programme is a key component of Wienerberger's broader sustainability strategy, "Let's Build Beyond," which is dedicated to supporting communities throughout the UK and Ireland.
The company’s social impact strategy also includes proactive actions to prevent homelessness, such as working with vulnerable groups to offer support through work experience and skills development. This includes young care leavers, who have experienced a 33% increase in homelessness in the past five years. Wienerberger will offer work taster days in partnership with Greater Manchester Youth Network at the company’s Head Office in Cheadle, Stockport.
Simon Nevitt, Chief Manufacturing Officer at Wienerberger UK & Ireland, said: “We have a responsibility as a leading provider of building solutions to create value for our communities and play an active role in the areas in which we operate.
“Our social impact strategy is just the beginning of our commitment that will deliver ambitious, positive and long-lasting impact for our people, our partners, and our communities.”
Further efforts to tackle homelessness and deliver social value include collaborating with the supply chain, making targeted product donations to improve public amenities, and direct engagement with community groups and schools.
Through its social impact strategy, Wienerberger also aims to engage its employees in causes that are close to their hearts. This includes support for personal fundraising, and a Community Fund for each UK location. Causes that have been nominated by employees to receive Community Fund support to date range from a dog rescue centre, a dementia community café, sports teams, a memorial garden, hospices, and a charity supporting homeless families.
