A total of 48 community groups around the world benefitted from support by Saint-Gobain in 2018 – on average receiving £34,000 each.

This is according to Saint-Gobain’s Social Foundation Annual Report. The Foundation focuses on helping people who are at risk, unemployed or have poor access to quality housing.

Mike Chaldecott, CEO of Saint-Gobain in the UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to support projects around the world including here in the UK & Ireland. Projects that are supported by our Foundation are focused on one of two important areas.

“Firstly, those that help with the construction or refurbishment of healthy, attractive and eco-responsible homes for deprived and socially excluded people. And, secondly, projects that train and provide leadership for young adults in challenging circumstances with the aim of teaching them a trade and helping them into the world of work.”

“One of the most important aspects of the Foundation is the fact that all projects submitted have to be supported by a current or former employee of Saint-Gobain. This condition encourages our colleagues to get involved in and support local community charities.”

The Foundation has supported four recent projects in the UK & Ireland:

2019: £29,000 to Play and Recycling Centre in Derby to provide materials for the refurbishments of their community hub which serves the needs of marginalized people in Derbyshire.

2016/2017: £43,000 to Barnardo’s for the development of Building Hope House in Crystal Palace to provide accommodation and development for young people leaving the care system.

2015/16: £99,400 for the Princes’ Trust to construct The Wolfson Centre in Glasgow to help support, develop and train young people.

2014/15: €100,000 for the Peter McVerry trust to refurbish six apartments to provide a home for homeless people in Dublin.

The support given to projects by the Saint-Gobain Foundation support is in addition to Saint-Gobain’s partnership with Barnardo’s to support young care leavers.