Hammerson : launches Giving Back Project to support local communities

£180,000 to be distributed to local groups impacted by Covid-19

Hammerson has officially launched its Giving Back Project, a new scheme which will see 88 charities, community groups and other organisations across the UK receive grants to support their important work.

As part of the initiative, Hammerson's nine flagship destinations across the country are each distributing £20,000 to local charities. The Giving Back Project specifically aims to support those groups that have been particularly badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and operate in the following categories:

• Food Banks supporting and tackling food poverty
• Providing support services to people affected by domestic violence and abuse
• Supporting those who are homeless or rough sleeping
• Providing employment opportunities, enterprise or skills development

Each centre collaborated with a local community foundation to oversee applications from charities and other groups, which were then reviewed by a panel.

Successful applicants include Caring in Bristol, which provides support and shelter to the homeless in the city, Leed's Women's Aid, which provides services for vulnerable women and families who are victims of abuse, and CommuniCare, which provides support and information to those in need in Reading.

Mark Bourgeois, Hammerson Managing Director UK & Ireland, said: '2020 has been one of the hardest years any of us will ever face. Despite these challenges, we know that charities and community groups up and down the country have truly gone the extra mile to support people, so we felt that it was only right to give something back, to ensure these organisations can continue to carry out their valuable work for years to come.'

Edd Smith, Head of Income Generation, Caring in Bristol said:'This has been a year of unprecedented difficulty for everyone, but especially for those who are most marginalised in our community. The work of Caring in Bristol is only made possible by the people of Bristol. Our vision is to create a city empowered to solve homelessness and we believe support from engaged Bristol businesses, like Cabot Circus, is an incredibly important way to achieve that. This donation from Cabot Circus will support our caring at Christmas project to provide shelter, warmth, nutritious food, activities and entertainment for those who are homeless at Christmas.'

Nik Peasgood, CEO of Leeds Women's Aid, said: 'Leeds Women's Aid is absolutely delighted to receive a grant of £2,500 from Victoria Leeds. The funding will help us to continue to provide a range of the very best services for vulnerable women and families who are victims and survivors of: domestic, sexual and honour-based violence and abuse; forced marriage; trafficking; stalking and harassment.'

Francesca Yates, Manager, CommuniCare said:'As a team we are passionate about supporting those most in need in Reading. Opening up our Advice Centre after lockdown was a big decision to make, but we knew there were so many people struggling and many need the face to face service we are offering. To have received funding from The Giving Back Project is brilliant, not only to assist us with the funding we need, but also as recognition of the hard work & dedication of the CommuniCare Team.'