Here in the UK and ROI, our VINCI businesses are proud contributors to the VINCI UK Foundation. Since its inception in 2016, the Foundation has been a beacon of hope, assisting a total of 289 charities and community projects with nearly £1.6 million in grants and the invaluable practical support from our dedicated employees.

2024 marks another significant year for the Foundation, with £230,153 in grants awarded to 38 local charitable projects across the UK. These grants, which range from £3,000 to £10,000 are more than just numbers; they are lifelines that will fund and upgrade transport, equipment, and facilities. These enhancements are crucial in aiding our charity partners to combat social exclusion and fortify the communities we serve. What makes these projects even more special is the personal touch provided by our employees. Each initiative is sponsored by at least one VINCI team member, who commits their working time and expertise over a 12-month period. This personal involvement is what truly brings our mission to life.

“Our dedication at VINCI is to drive positive change. The grants and sponsorships from the VINCI UK Foundation are direct, tangible actions that allow us to make a real difference in community development. The charities we partner with are often the lifeline for residents in the areas we operate, and they hold a special place in the hearts of our sponsors. Supporting their extraordinary work is not just our honour; it’s our pleasure.”

Ruth Ottley Head Coordinator for the VINCI UK Foundation

Spotlight on This Year’s Chosen Charities
The VINCI UK Foundation is delighted to support a diverse range of charities this year, each with its unique mission and impact. Here are some of the remarkable organisations we’re partnering with:

Teapost Trust

The Teapot Trust provides art therapy to children with long-term health conditions, helping them develop coping mechanisms and improve mental health. This approach is highly effective, with 93% of participants making good progress. The Trust focuses on areas of multiple deprivation where chronic illnesses are more common and healthcare access is limited. Over the past year, the charity has supported 1600 children and young people. Sponsored by Steve Mosley from VINCI Energies UK and RoI, the £10,000 grant will support Teapot Trust in purchasing equipment to create a VR Flower Garden for young bed-ridden patients at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.

https://www.teapot-trust.org/

Excel In Life CIC

This service provides day programs for individuals with additional needs, focusing on practical skills in hair and beauty. It enhances learners’ confidence, communication, and independence, and offers supported work placements for future employment. Learners can earn a certificate through the ASDAN Hair and Beauty Vocational workbook and Personal Development Programmes. They document their progress and skills gained through work placements and teaching sessions. The service also offers various other workbooks like “Living Independently”. Community involvement is encouraged through free pamper sessions and charity days. Sponsored by Graeme Thomason from NUVIA UK, a £7,000 grant will help to redecorate their salon, purchase laptops and run cooking workshops with a new oven.

https://www.excelinlifecic.com/

Crawley Film Initiative CIC

Sponsored by Jimmy Sexton from London Gatwick, a £5,000 grant will help Crawley Film Initiative CIC purchase a new iMac suite. This community interest film production company provides free training and work experience in various film fields to young people. Their main goal is to introduce young people to the film sector. They offer work placements and programmes like Meet Your Filmmaker and Saturday Film Club. These programmes provide free training, paid opportunities, and support for young creatives, particularly those from low-income households, making the film industry more accessible.

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Zarach

The organisation’s social mission is to eradicate child bed poverty in England, thereby enabling children to participate in school and potentially escape poverty. They collaborate with local schools to identify children without beds and deliver new bed bundles, which include a bed, bedding, pyjamas, a hygiene kit, a book, and a teddy. They also offer continuous family engagement to assist families in accessing the resources they need to prosper. Since its establishment in Leeds, the organisation has distributed 5738 beds in the city and 1698 beds in other parts of England. Their medium-term goal is to eliminate child bed poverty in England by delivering 1000 beds per week and providing family engagement support in areas with the highest need, using this initiative as a platform to drive change. Sponsored by Helen Whitehead from VINCI Building, a £5,000 grant will provide funding for 33 beds.

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Northern Ireland Hospice

The Northern Ireland Hospice is a comprehensive care provider that offers a range of services to individuals and families in need. Their team of over 45 nurses extends their care beyond the confines of the hospice, reaching out into the community to provide home-based care. This approach ensures that families receive the support they need in a familiar and comfortable environment, reinforcing the full family circle during challenging times. Sponsored by Derek Archibald from Belfast International Airport, a £6,000 grant will help fundraising activity throughout the year through key events.

https://www.nihospice.org/

The Friendly Bus

The Friendly Bus is a Shropshire-based community transport charity aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation by promoting mobility for vulnerable community members. They provide opportunities for social interaction and independence, improving mental and physical wellbeing. Their services, relied upon for various activities, cater to over 800 registered passengers, many of whom are elderly with limited mobility. The organisation, operating for 19 years, offers both practical and emotional support, and was recognised with ‘The Queens Award’ in 2018 for its outstanding community work. Sponsored by Ginette Pardoe from Freyssinet, a £7,000 grant will help The Friendly Bus in purchasing a new 16 passenger seat minibus.

https://www.friendlybus.co.uk/

Band Of Builders

The Band of Builders charity has expanded its mission beyond physical renovation to include mental health support for the construction industry. Recognising the industry’s demanding nature, the charity provides practical, emotional, and mental support. They host Big Brew events for open discussions on mental health and offer free counselling sessions. They also provide a 24/7 text helpline service for immediate help and support, fostering a sense of community and combating feelings of isolation. Sponsored by Tiaan John and Emmanuel Pringalle from VINCI Construction Grands Projets, a £7,500 grant will help fund their Text BoB helpline for 12 months and host three Big Brew events.

https://www.bandofbuilders.org

Renaissance NE CIC

Renaissance NE CIC is a specialist not for profit organisation set up to help, advice, train and support people who have experienced the criminal justice system back into their community, with meaningful employment options and an opportunity to be good citizens.  Renaissance NE supports the MOJ to meet a key aim of the MOJ Strategy, Unlocking Potential, we will provide an opportunity for prisons to help rehabilitate people by providing skills and employment that is relevant back in the community. Sponsored by David Clement from Bachy Soletanche, a grant of £4,700 will aid the refurbishment of their community venue and help purchase equipment.

Businesses contributing to the VINCI UK Foundation are VINCI Concessions, VINCI Energies UK and RoI, VINCI Building UK, VINCI Facilities, Taylor Woodrow, Ringway, Eurovia UK, VINCI Construction Grands Projects, Belfast International Airport, Bachy Soletanche, Freyssinet, Gatwick Airport and NUVIA UK.