Wienerberger Partners with Emmaus on Homelessness and Skills

WIENERBERGER UK & Ireland has begun a new partnership with 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 funding provides grants to residents of Emmaus UK communities, enabling them to acquire skills and qualifications for employment. Priority will be given, when feasible, to allocating funds for those interested in pursuing opportunities in the 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.

“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,” commented Robyn Cummins, Director at Emmaus UK.

Wienerberger Partners with Emmaus

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. Additionally, at least 300,000 people are estimated as homeless in England, with a 27% rise in rough sleeping in the past year alone.

Wienerberger’s social impact strategy focuses on addressing housing insecurity. It 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 supports UK and Ireland communities.

The company’s social impact strategy also includes action to prevent homelessness, such as offering vulnerable groups work experience and skills development. This includes young care leavers, who have experienced a 33% increase in homelessness in the past 5 years. Wienerberger will offer work taster days with Greater Manchester Youth Network at the company’s Head Office in Cheadle, Stockport.

Simon Nevitt at Wienerberger UK & Ireland said: “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.

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