The property industry charity commits £1 million to helping disadvantaged young people
Over 100 key individuals from the commercial property industry gathered together on Thursday 3 February to celebrate the first year of LandAid's successful Foundation Partner Scheme designed to support the industry charity's work in transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people.
LandAid has already gained widespread support across the industry attracting 39 leading property organisations including heavyweights British Land, Great Portland Estates, Grosvenor,
Land Securities and SEGRO who have all signed up to make a financial commitment to LandAid over a three year period.
At the reception it was announced that Grainger had become the latest organisation to become a Foundation Partner following recent new recruits Ashurst, DTZ, Easter Group, Montagu Evans and The Blackstone Group.
Rob Bould LandAid Fundraising Chairman (Chief Executive of GVA) said: "The success of the Foundation Partner Scheme has been integral to LandAid's strong growth and has increased our net income this year by 25% which will allow us to commit £1million in 2011 towards projects that benefit disadvantaged young people by providing the facilities, opportunities and support they need to reach their potential."
Robin Broadhurst, LandAid Chairman (Chairman of Grainger plc) said: "Youth unemployment is at the highest level since records began (20.3% amongst 16-24 year olds) and many young people are struggling to get on and having to cope with multiple challenges such as homelessness and a lack of qualifications. By working together through LandAid and becoming a Foundation Partner the sector can make a real difference and ensure that a generation of young people is not written off."
Chi Chi, a young person participating in a scheme run by Fairbridge in Hackney which is supported by LandAid said: "Since coming to the Fairbridge centre in Hackney which was opened with funding from LandAid I've made new friends, improved my communication skills and feel much more confident. Before I was lonely and doing nothing with my time; now I've started a Mathematics diploma at Birbeck University. I'm also a Youth Ambassador for Fairbridge and have the opportunity to speak to journalists, Ministers and MPs. I didn't realise there were so many good opportunities out there for me. You just have to search for them."
Mikey, a young person living in a hostel run by Centrepoint which receives Foundations for Life (FFL) funding from LandAid for specialist learning staff and educational facilities said: "I have been a resident at Bruce House for just over a year now. During this time, I have managed to sort out some of the problems which were holding me back. I have recently found full time employment, something I have been trying to obtain for some time. I feel I owe this to the FFL Learning Team at Centrepoint for putting me in touch with a construction company who helped me to get my CSCS card, a necessity in my line of work. I feel that without the support of the FFL staff I may not be where I am today."
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The young people's names have been changed to protect their identity.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Rosie Groves, on 02031027191 or [email protected]
LandAid is the charity of the UK property industry. It helps the young and disadvantaged access the facilities, skills and opportunities to achieve their potential by making the most effective and innovative use of the property industry's resources, expertise and influence. LandAid works with leading youth agencies (including Centrepoint and Fairbridge) around the country to provide specialist assistance where the property industry can make the most difference.
www.landaid.org
twitter.com/landaid
LandAid Foundation Partner Scheme is a proactive way for property organisations to become involved in LandAid's work by committing £10,000 a year over three years. LandAid Foundation Partners: Allsop, Argent, Ashurst, Aura, Berwin Leighton Paisner, Blackstone, British Land, Capital & Counties, CBRE, Chelsfield Partners, Cushman & Wakefield, Derwent London, DLA Piper, DTZ, Easter Group, Franc Warwick, Frogmore, Grainger, Great Portland Estates, GVA, Grosvenor, Hammerson, Helical Bar, Jones Lang LaSalle, Knight Frank, Lambert Smith Hampton, LANCER, Land Securities, Montagu Evans, MEPC, Nabarro, Panther Securities, PRUPIM, Redevco, Savills, SEGRO, Sir Robert McAlpine, Targetfollow,Telereal Trillium.
Centrepoint is the national charity working to improve the lives of socially excluded, homeless young people. It provides a range of accommodation based services, including emergency night shelters and short stay hostels, specialist projects for care leavers, ex-offenders, young single parents, foyers and supported flats and floating support services.
www.centrepoint.org.uk
Fairbridge is a national charity working out of 15 centres in the UK. Supporting young people aged 13-25 develop the confidence, motivation and skills they need to turn their lives around. In 2008/9 79% of the young people we worked with achieved a positive outcome such as returning to the classroom, starting a college course or finding a job.
www.fairbridge.org.uk