wienerberger celebrates volunteers week

Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.  Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years.

Volunteering is a vital component of UK society, with millions contributing their time and skills annually. Did you know that 14.2 million people in the UK have formally volunteered at least once a month?

At wienerberger we encourage our employees to undertake volunteering in their local communities, as part of our established Social Impact Strategy. So far colleagues have been helping to tackle homelessness, fundraising for a food bank, entertaining for an event at a women’s shelter, and doing DIY for a young care leaver.

Nigel Dyer, Heritage Service Manager, Keymer undertook a day of Volunteering Time with Emmaus Hull & East Riding, part of our wider partnership with Emmaus UK and comments;

“It was a great day that I really enjoyed, I met some enthusiastic volunteers and staff including Phil or ‘Pots’ as he is known. He was formerly homeless and now works at the Community full time, organising the warehouse plus general repairs.

Emmaus has helped so many people get back on their feet either by giving them a place to stay, or guidance and support. Hearing the stories of the companions, the hardships they suffered made me really appreciate having a roof over my head.”

A small team from Wienerberger Limited’s Sandtoft site volunteered with The National House Project, who support young people leaving the care system, helping them make the transition into independence. The team worked to get a flat ready for Vanessa, aged 18, who was moving into her first home.

Gary McCabe, Maintenance Fitter as Sandown adds “I wanted to help as I grew up in the care system – I was in foster care”. He adds; “Giving back to care leavers is about sharing my experiences, offering guidance and creating a bridge of support that helps them build the futures they deserve”.

We’ve also had colleagues sign up to become a STEM Ambassador and inspire the next generation to build successful futures in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Laura Emms, Digitisation Engineer comments “I became a STEM ambassador because I’ve always been interested by maths, science, technology, and engineering. These fields touch so many aspects of our lives, from the cars we drive and the houses we live in to renewable energy solutions. Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. My journey began at a STEM event I attended when I was 15. Although I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, I realised there were numerous options that would allow me to follow my interests without focusing too narrowly on one subject. Now, as a STEM Ambassador, I hope to share my experiences to help the next generation understand the wide range of opportunities available in STEM.”.