Bluewater’s owner, Landsec, is today announcing increases in investment with Ahead Partnership and the Young Lives Foundation to support local people into employment and education.
The partnership is funded by Landsec’s new social impact programme, Landsec Futures, a £20m fund which aims to bring more value to the communities where Landsec invests.
The programme will see Bluewater join forces with Ahead Partnership and the Young Lives Foundation, who are already leading the charge in supporting people from underrepresented backgrounds into employment.
Together, Bluewater, Ahead Partnership, and the Young Lives Foundation will deliver education and work experience-led programmes for people in Kent to increase access to the broad range of careers in the real estate industry.
With a renewed partnership, backed by an increase of investment and longer-term support, Bluewater hopes to have an even greater impact in the local area.
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, commented: “Investing in those already creating opportunities for local people means we can bring more value to the communities we serve where it’s needed most.
“Through our new programmes with Ahead Partnership and the Young Lives Foundation, we’ll support more people from underrepresented backgrounds into employment, working with local young people to build their employability skills and increase access to employment opportunities so that everyone can fulfil their potential.”
Stephanie Burras, CEO of Ahead Partnership said: “We’re delighted to be able to deepen and extend the rewarding partnership that we have enjoyed with Landsec over the last seven years. The exciting skills and employability activities we have delivered with Landsec’s retail teams across the country, including mentoring and Made In sustainability challenges, have equipped hundreds of young people with the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
“Our new three-year partnership with Landsec Futures will allow us to scale and deepen the impact of these successful school programmes. We look forward to working with Landsec colleagues to provide opportunity to many more young people.”
Today’s news is one part of a national commitment Landsec is making to maximise the potential of people, places, and the communities it works with through a £20m social impact investment. Combined this fund will deliver £200 million worth of social value by 2030.
You can find out more at: Landsec.com/futures