Slough: SEGRO fund helps six local charities

SEGRO, a leading owner, manager and developer of warehousing and industrial space, has enabled six local charities to deliver vital projects which will support 1,500 vulnerable people in Berkshire through its Centenary Fund, just one month after its launch.

The fund, which was established to mark SEGRO’s 100^th anniversary in May, will see £10 million awarded to local community projects in the UK and Continental Europe over the next decade. Its launch was brought forward and the plans revised to enable the majority for the first year’s funding to provide urgent support to members of the community who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19.

SEGRO has partnered with the Berkshire Community Foundation to identify charities which are providing immediate and meaningful support projects to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic where SEGRO has a presence. The six charities which have been allocated funding so far are:

• SHOC – Supporting rough sleepers in Berkshire with hot meals, and delivering clothes and food to those who are self-isolating in temporary housing
• MAPIS – Ensuring the continuation of services which help retrain and upskill individuals back into employment
• Reading Refugee Support Group –Social-distanced practical support and legal advice for refugees and people seeking asylum
• Aik Saath- Together As One – Support to approximately eighty young carers through online activities including arts, fitness and games
• Children Heard Not Seen – Support for children of prisoners through online group sessions
• The Dash Charity – Sustaining support for people affected by domestic abuse from BAMER communities

The emphasis of the Centenary Fund moving forward will focus on local community projects which help and inspire disadvantaged people into education, training and employment. Charities and community organisations in Berkshire which are interested in accessing the fund to deliver projects that fit this criteria are encouraged to visit https://www.berkshirecf.org/ to find out more details about how to apply.

David Sleath, chief executive officer, SEGRO said: “When we launched the Centenary Fund last month our priority was to address the immediate needs of people disproportionality affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In only a few short weeks, with the help of The Berkshire Community Foundation, we’re proud to have been able to identify and offer funding to six charities, and perhaps more importantly make a real difference to the lives of hundreds of vulnerable people in Berkshire during these unprecedented times.”