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One of our new Grant Initiatives, Inclusion Through Sport, is focused on supporting grassroots sports clubs in underfunded communities. By providing resources to engage young people in sports, the initiative aims to reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour by channelling their energy into positive, meaningful activities. Last week, students from The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge joined our volunteers at Tonbridge Football Club to celebrate the impact of the club’s grant. The funding has provided the college with new sports equipment, including football goals and indoor games, creating better opportunities for physical activity within the club.
Mears Group PLC volunteers from MPS made the most of the sunshine at Gunton Place in Norwich, thanks to funding from one of our Community Green Space Grants. The team planted four species of hedgerows and several wildflower beds, creating wildlife habitats, boosting health and wellbeing, and making our green spaces a little nicer.
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Supported by a grant from The Mears Foundation, staff and volunteers from Mears Group have been working with National Trust rangers to create homes for nature by planting trees on the Longshaw Estate near Sheffield.
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Eight employees from our Rotherham branch spent two days giving a garden at a Rotherham primary school an upgrade. As part of their commitment to social value in the community, supported by a grant from The Mears Foundation, the green space project saw volunteers makeover an outside area at Ferham Primary School in Kimberworth, turning it into a community garden.
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We’re excited to announce our latest collaboration with City Electrical Factors, a Friend of the Foundation, to help transform an unused side of the building in Milton Keynes into a Wellbeing Centre to serve 12,500 residents of Woughton Parish! This joint project will revitalise the space, supporting essential services such as a Community Cafe, Youth Programs, and agencies offering much-needed local support. Together, we’re addressing key challenges and creating a welcoming environment for everyone to access in the surrounding area. Throughout the course of the project, we’ll be overhauling the roof and gutters, as well as clearing both the front and rear gardens. A new boiler will be installed, and the existing electrics will receive essential upgrades. We’re also widening doorways to improve wheelchair access and fitting new internal doors. Additional improvements include upgrading the washroom facilities, with an accessible toilet already in place, and creating two new meeting rooms to accommodate a variety of community services. The space will be fully redecorated, and we’re planning to install solar panels to make the building more sustainable. We’re also considering the installation of an electric boiler to further improve energy efficiency. With the help of CEF, these extensive upgrades will ensure the space serves the community for years to come. Stay tuned for updates as we work towards the grand opening in December 2024!
The Mears Foundation has supported the Holsworthy House Green Space project with a Community Space Grant, transforming the communal garden. Thanks to the efforts of Mears volunteers, new bedding plants, shrubs, and hanging baskets were added to bring color and life to the space. The team also weeded the overgrown borders, ensuring a neat environment for all the residents to enjoy. This project, part of the ongoing commitment to revitalise green spaces, demonstrates the power of teamwork and dedication to make a positive local impact for the community.
The Mears Foundation proudly supported Eastbourne volunteers and Homes First in revitalising communal spaces at Hanson Road and Etchingham Road by providing a Community Green Space Grant. At Hanson Road, our team tackled a fly-tipping hotspot, organised a ‘rubbish amnesty,’ and restored bin stores. Residents were able to dispose of unwanted waste thanks to the support of the Tenants of Lewes District (TOLD) group. Over at Etchingham Road, volunteers cleared overgrown weeds, replaced an old metal pergola with a new wooden one, and added recycling signage.
The Mears Foundation helped the residents of Artesian Close improve their communal space by funding the construction of raised flower beds. This support gave residents the opportunity to engage in gardening and work together to enhance their shared outdoor area. The project has made the space more welcoming and provided a place for residents to connect and take pride in their surroundings. Thanks to this initiative, the community now has a maintained garden that everyone can enjoy.
The Mears Foundation has supported Jubilee Farm’s mission to strengthen community engagement and outreach. Our funding helped secure a new polytunnel, expanding the farm’s capacity for growing produce and hosting workshops and well-being activities. As Northern Ireland's first community-owned enterprise, Jubilee Farm uses innovative agricultural practices to promote therapy, rehabilitation, and social inclusion, with a focus on supporting marginalised groups. This project not only enhances the farm’s sustainability but also creates valuable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and connection with nature. The Mears Foundation’s support enables Jubilee Farm to continue its impactful work, building a stronger, more inclusive community.
The Mears Foundation has provided funding to the North Ayrshire Fairer Food Network (NAFF), a charity working to improve Scotland's most deprived communities. The foundation has expanded NAFF's programs, including health services, nutrition workshops, and inclusive activities. In May 2024, seven Mears colleagues volunteered at the Milton Community Garden and Food Hub, completing a challenging renovation project. The partnership promotes cultural exchange, addresses the cost of living crisis, and empowers residents through skill-building and employment readiness.
The Mears Foundation has provided funding to Welcome House's Befriending Project, enabling activities and transport for our service users. The project improved social connections and mental well-being, leading to a transition from isolation to active community involvement. The project also facilitated changes, such as location adjustments, for improved attendance and engagement with community partners. Since the funding, approximately 4,000 people have attended the Free Café, highlighting the Mears Foundation's crucial role in enhancing vulnerable individuals' lives and strengthening community ties.
The Mears Foundation and Medway Council collaborated on the Rainbow Rooms project, a community space for children and families. The project involved purchasing paint and furniture, transforming the environment into a welcoming space. A dedicated team volunteered 24 hours to bring the vision to life. The success was celebrated at a Christmas reopening event, attended by 21 children. The revamped space has hosted Tenants Panel meetings and a Children's Storytime event, generating a social value of £1,244.92.
The Mears Foundation supports Age UK Rotherham and SafeHaven, two vital charities in the Rotherham community. Age UK Rotherham hosts their annual Christmas Lunch, a tradition for 80-100 older adults. Mears Group's branch colleagues and apprentices prepare and serve the meal, providing valuable customer service experience. SafeHaven receives homemade soup and essential items like scarves, gloves, and hats to help their service users combat the cold.
The Mears Foundation has supported Poltimore House, a community hub promoting culture, arts, and mental well-being. We facilitated the creation of a Wi-Fi-equipped hub area, empowering local third-sector groups and extending the Tech Buddy workshop scheme's reach to rural areas. With 35,000 visitors annually and a village population of 300, the partnership aims to enhance digital skills for many.
The Mears Foundation has supported the Central and West Integration Network (CWIN)'s Multicultural Food Hub in Glasgow, providing funding to purchase culturally relevant foods and reducing food waste. The foundation also assisted CWIN in collecting cardboard egg boxes for safe distribution of over 360 fresh eggs weekly, with the AASC Scotland team regularly collecting and delivering boxes.
The Mears Foundation funded a cultural event in Govan, Ibrox, Elder-Park, and Linthouse, attracting over 300 attendees. The event featured cultural performances, culinary experiences, and transportation for residents from Paisley. The event aligns with UNESCO's mission to promote intercultural dialogue and deepened community bonds. The Mears Foundation plans to continue working with Safety Awareness Glasgow to promote safety awareness courses and Cooking Clubs.
Volunteers from the Mears Contract 62 team transformed the communal gardens at Cockabourne Court and Bards Court in Romford. Part of the Foundation's Community Green Spaces initiative, the team planted vibrant flowers and shrubs, enhancing the gardens and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The makeover has already inspired residents to take pride in their renewed spaces, with a new gardening club designed to maintain the revamped green space.
We have transformed the playground at Bishop Parker Catholic Primary School and Nursery in Bletchley. Over four days, a dedicated group of volunteers worked tirelessly to revamp the play area, bringing new life and vibrancy to the school’s outdoor spaces. The makeover included painting existing fencing, sheds, pergolas, and playhouses, as well as planting raised beds. The project also featured the installation of new fencing to a raised area adjacent to the playground. Surplus materials, including paint, were donated to the school upon completion of the project.
Support from the Mears Foundation has been helped Harper Memorial Church's monthly community meals going. These meals have grown to be an important hub for locals. The weekly participation of 40 to 50 people means that the lunches offer both nutrition and a sense of community. Food was provided thanks to financing from the Foundation. This project has also promoted extracurricular activities like weekly football sessions, which improve social integration and general well-being for both newcomers and long-term residents.
The Mears Foundation's grant has been essential in helping the ISARO Community Initiative's "Waste to Treasure" project. This creative initiative attempts to address poverty while advancing sustainability. The grant helps to sustain the Upstyle Shop, a reuse store in Glasgow that makes money to support the charity endeavours of ISARO. The project encourages reuse and repair while also offering accessible solutions for individuals facing financial difficulties by gathering and restoring old things. It also provides advice on how to save energy at home, which helps community members live more sustainably and cut costs.
The allocations project of the Central and West Integration Network SCIO has been greatly supported by funding from the Mears Foundation. We have been able to provide efficient project management and give volunteers and participants the necessary assistance and training by sponsoring a part-time Allotment Coordinator. To ensure greater accessibility and involvement, our donation also included travel fees. Sessions held at Essenside Church Hall, have provided invaluable insights into sustainable growing practices in Scotland's challenging climate. Participants, many with farming experience, have benefited from discussions on organic pest control, companion planting, and crop planning. This initiative is building a community of passionate growers. This project shows our commitment to the community by coming together through hands on, impactful initiatives.
Our contribution to the InterAct Church and Community Partnership has aided in a number of incredible initiatives meant to improve Meanwood's community well-being. Through the Meanwood Pantry, Men's Shed, Youth Project, and Community Cafes, among others, InterAct provides essential services, including food provision, advice, and support, benefiting numerous individuals in need. Our grant has paid for community trips, gift donations and the establishment of the Youth Project modular building, promoting social unity in the area. We continue to have a significant influence by working with InterAct to promote community-based initiatives that combat poverty and social isolation, thereby enhancing the lives of many.
The Foundation has contributed to the renovation of Alder Tree Primary's facilities, particularly in revamping the outdated toilet blocks. The school was able to resolve problems and establish a safer, more hygienic environment for pupils thanks to our aid. Additionally, we installed fire-rated doors and removed unused urinals that were rusting. We allowed the school to access materials at a trade cost and provided 30 hours of volunteering assistance renovating the school. This effort has improved the schools infrastructure and also positively impacted the well-being of over 300 individuals in the community.
We've partnered with Friends of St Mary's Primary School to transform their forest area. Through our work, we have created a wildlife pond area with a decking surround, enabling hands-on learning about nature and conservation for the pupils. With the Foundation's support, the project successfully removed old fencing, installed new gates and fencing, and constructed a rope fence perimeter. Additionally, funding allowed for the purchase of essential materials such as pre-formed ponds, cement, and ballast. Our contribution also extended to providing tools for volunteer days and essential habitat features like hedgehog houses and bird feeders, ensuring the school's outdoor learning space was transformed into a place where students can connect with nature and learn valuable conservation skills. Through this project, we have shown our commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being and educational experiences of young learners.
This project was led by a group of dedicated volunteers. The team built planters and bird tables from locally sourced materials. Our funding also helped with site clearance and preparation for planting, which will promote self-sufficiency in the future. Additionally, we reused wood waste, maximising resources and sustainability for the project. Impacting over 300 individuals, we are proud to have played a role in this change for the New Wortley community
We were pleased to support English classes for service users in Chapeltown! With our funding, the programme was extended over several terms, providing critical English language support to people transitioning to life in a new country. The workshops focused on addressing topics relevant to everyday living in the UK and offering various session forms, such as "Family ESOL" sessions at the hotel and offsite venues. The Foundation's backing enabled the program's continuation, allowing asylum seekers to gain confidence, adapt to their new surroundings, and learn critical language skills. Some quotes we have received include: "The English classes have been incredibly helpful in boosting my confidence to communicate in daily situations" and "The flexibility of the sessions made it easier for me to attend regularly and make progress in my language skills
We have supported Sewing2gether All Nations' workshops which were held in January and February 2024. We brought an introduction to the Machine Sewing programme and gave participants the tools and materials they needed. The execution of the workshops was made possible through our funding, which paid for the Lead & Assistant Tutors, sewing machines, materials, travel expenses, and administrative fees. Sewing activities helped participants, including those from vulnerable groups and asylum seekers, by building creativity and skill development. Additionally, by using textiles and fabrics that were donated, the classes supported upcycling initiatives, addressed environmental issues, and gave people the confidence to fix and modify items, which decreased waste.
The Mears Foundation is pleased to support programmes based around sustainability and community involvement, such as The Vinery's Vermicomposting Project. Volunteers were able to build a Wormery, learn woodworking skills, and share information about liquid and soil fertiliser production. Clare Bancroft, Project Lead at The Vinery, expressed excitement, stating, "Watching the project unfold has been a privilege. The volunteers have all gained valued skills and knowledge which they will put to good use in future ventures. We’re all very excited to see the end results." This project is an example of our dedication to supporting meaningful community efforts, with four volunteers and one team member contributing their time.
Hersden Parish Council wanted to make the village more vibrant and welcoming for new residents and older residents. They wanted to repair a much-loved bench and plant seasonal flowers next to it. They also wanted to plant a tree and install a bench in the play park to provide shade for children and parents. The Mears Foundation helped the council to complete these goals. They provided funding for the repairs to the bench and the planting of flowers. They also donated a tree and a bench for the play park. As a result of the Mears Foundation's support, the village is now a more welcoming place for everyone. The repaired bench is a popular spot for people to sit and relax, and the tree and bench in the play park provide much-needed shade.
The Mears Foundation helped to upgrade the lighting in a community center in the heart of an estate. The new lighting is more environmentally friendly and has reduced running costs. The community center provides a variety of services to the community, including children's clubs, keep fit classes, employability sessions, and community events. The new lighting has made the center more inviting and has helped to attract more people to use its facilities.
The Mears Foundation helped This is Growth, a charity that provides temporary shelter for the homeless, to refurbish 8 properties in a block within Tower Hamlets. The properties were in a very poor state and required small updates such as painting, tiling, flooring, and a new toilet. The Mears Foundation provided the labor, while growTH acquired the materials. The Mears Foundation's support has helped growTH to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people and to help them transition into permanent housing. The refurbished properties have provided a safe and comfortable place for people to stay while they are getting back on their feet.
The Neighborhood team addressed a ongoing anti-social behavior in the local area. The youths were kicking a football against the side wall of the flats, which was a noise nuisance and intimidated the vulnerable residents who lived nearby. The Mears Foundation has helped support the Neighborhood team in their engagement with the youths, which has helped to build relationships and resolve other issues in the locality.
The Family Haven in Gloucestershire helps vulnerable families with children under five, including single parents, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. They frequently lack secure housing and struggle with difficulties such as domestic violence, mental illness, and substance misuse. The centre provides emotional and practical support to help people improve their self-esteem and gain control of their life. Easter Egg collections, fundraisers, grant applications, volunteering, and garden renovations are all examples of support initiatives. These initiatives bring joy, needed resources, and renewed hope to families seeking stability and independence, making The Family Haven an important lifeline for positive change in the community.
The project ran a community cafe with access to various supports, events, and community fridge services to minimize local food waste and support local people to maximize food budgets. The team of volunteers were extremely committed, and the community was supportive of the projects launched. The project also provided toys ,clothes, books and games.
The English language programme was extremely beneficial, enhancing participants' language abilities and awareness of UK services and culture. This increased their confidence and participation into the local community, eliminating loneliness and developing friendships. In addition, the programme encouraged personal growth and provided targeted support for additional educational options. Overall, it helped individuals improve their lives and integrate into British society.
Kaleido Arts for Wellbeing is a charity that provides arts for wellbeing programmes for asylum seekers and other people in the community. These programmes have been shown to improve the lives of participants in a number of ways such as: Improving emotional and mental wellbeing, Building community cohesion and integration and providing career and skills development opportunities.
With our commitment to community improvement, we've transformed the once neglected plant areas by removing dead plants and introducing a vibrant array of fresh greenery. Through our support, we have contributed to creating a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space for the community. We believe in the power of such initiatives to make a positive impact, and we're thrilled to see the positive transformation that has taken place.
Portree is a ever growing community and most areas of housing being built are flats so most people do not have gardens. The Portree allotments give isolated people in it's community the opportunity to get outdoors, make new friends and learn new skills. It's not just the adults who get something from this initiative the youngsters do too! The local primary school is also going to take on a few allotments, educating the children in food, sustainability and how to avoid food waste. Mears are based in the high school and are providing the allotments with compost they as they have an onsite composter. To encourage the community to come together the Foundation supported with a grant to get benches and seating where everyone can take time out, have a picnic and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Many children find it hard to make connections, but some find it even harder due to challenges such as social anxiety, autism, mental health struggles, etc. There are also the children who live in poverty who are marginalised and left out of the gaming world. With a grant from the Mears Foundation the YHA were able to run it's first SMASH IT Esports tournament. This was new venture for the Wishaw YMCA and they ran it partnership with the Brave JNR, an Esports group with a proven track record and values that are in keeping with our own. Wishaw YMCA has become very active within the community in the past year running several community service projects and programs.
Mears Foundation are supporting Friendship House, a non-denominational group operating in a local church hall that has been supporting local asylum in Drumchapel, based on the northern edge of the city of Glasgow for the last 5 years. The church hall is a safe space for families of all cultures to come together and to help share life stories with those who visit regularly families/individuals take it in turns to cook for a meal, sharing cultural recipes and bringing the community together through food. With the grant awarded to them by the Foundation, Friendship house are able to help with the costs of the ingredients used to make these Friendship meals. 40+ people use this facility weekly and more in the holidays.
There are currently over 500 asylum seekers living in several hotels throughout Scotland and many of them have arrived with only the clothes that they are wearing. It's a challenge for many of our service users to be able to buy necessary clothing such as socks and underwear and they rely on the goodwill of charities and the third sector to source clothing. Maslows Charity bridges the gap! The Foundation grant awarded helps Maslows to access manufacturers who supply underwear at a wholesale price and pass on to asylum seekers in our care.
The Grow and Gain Project is a community growing project - to connect people in the asylum system with land for food growing, as well as cookery workshops, training in food growing skills and education on climate change. Grow and Gain helped people in their aspirations to grow and cook food, preserve food, forage, access land and prevent food waste. They also produced a cook book with recipes from all cultures.
Through a partnership with the Mears Foundation and Currys, AASC Scotland was provided with 23 Amazon Fire tablets which welfare team were able to distribute to service users who had recently received a positive decision regarding their settlement status in the country, supporting the next chapter of their lives. The new tablets mean the children can play games, read books, take pictures, connect with friends and complete school work online. Jamie Lee Ward, Mears Partnership Manager said: "This is another amazing offering from the Foundation and one that will be beneficial to all receiving the devices. There has been a rise in digital inclusion schemes in recent years, however this is still a significant barrier within many groups, and so these tablets go a long way to support."
Up the Garden Bath, is a not-for-profit organisation which takes old and discarded materials such as bathtubs and upcycles them into ready-made garden planters and accessories. On the 24th of March, in partnership with Up The Garden Bath, the Mears Foundation grant supported the bath recycling project that provided the opportunity for tenants from Sheltered Housing Fellowship to learn new skills and use the planters to grow herbs and vegetables, to be used in their kitchens.
The Peel Project is a community project based in Hull, which was set up to provide essential support services to empower the diverse local community. The Mears Foundation recently provided a grant to commission the Peel Project to work with Mears' asylum team to introduce fitness/boxercise classes.
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One of the aims of the Foundation this year is to ‘combat social isolation and loneliness’ and this is exactly why Karen Johnson, Commercial Manager at Mears, applied for a Mears Foundation Grant, to help residents at Cole Green House by constructing a new patio area on their grounds so residents could socialise externally by having an outside space where they can meet with family and friends and become part of their community again.