New UK-wide charities we are supporting in 2024

By the closing date in February 2024, we had received almost 300 eligible applications for our new tranche of funding awards. Added together these requests came to over £6 million.

Sadly we were unable to meet this huge expectation but trustees are delighted to confirm that the first payment of grants has been made to 15 new organisations. Three of these have a UK-wide focus and the remaining 12 have a regional and local focus.

This page highlights the work of the three new UK-wide organisations funded by CABWI for 12 months. We will update this information as these projects start to achieve their funding objectives.

All the charities that CABWI funds have met our criteria and embrace our key theme - enabling disadvantaged young people and adults to gain additional skills, qualifications and confidence to enter the labour market.

The Lighthouse Charity (UK)

The Lighthouse is uniquely positioned as the only charity dedicated to providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families in the UK and Ireland.

They offer a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and text service which provides support on a variety of wellbeing issues. These are complemented by their free self support app, along with their Lighthouse Beacons who provide a safe space for people to share concerns.

Their Wellbeing Academy offers a variety of soft skills and leadership training delivered across a variety of platforms to suit every learning style.

“The funding from CABWI will enable us to continue to bridge the skills gap within the industry by supporting a fully inclusive environment and engaging with individuals who may never have considered a career in construction before.

Our ‘Changing Future Cultures’ programme to support apprentices and our collaborative work with the prison service means that individuals are supported with both essential soft skills and wellbeing training. This enhances their employability, empowers them to embark on an exciting and sustainable career, and changes the future landscape of our construction industry.”

For more information: https://www.lighthouseclub.org/

Wings for Warriors (UK)

During 2024, Retired Army Captain, Luke Sinnott, intends to become the first double-amputee to qualify as a commercial pilot since Sir Douglas Bader, thanks in no small part to support from CABWI.

Luke, a former member of the Royal Engineers, was critically injured by an explosive device in Afghanistan whilst deployed as part of a bomb disposal team. Despite losing both of his legs in the explosion, Luke has never let his injuries detract from fulfilling his full potential.

CABWI is funding the UK military charity 'Wings for Warriors, which is supporting Luke in his endeavour to become a commercial jet pilot. Our support will enable the charity to employ a full-time flight instructor and mentor, who will be responsible for delivering the knowledge and skills, which medically discharged service personnel will need to unlock a wonderful new career in the clouds.

WFW Director Mark Radcliffe comments - "What we do really isn't about flying. We're passionate about helping veterans to make holistic recoveries after a life-changing injury or illness by showing them that the sky really doesn't have to be the limit. Not only do we help service personnel to re-educate and obtain new professional identities, but the support we give them now will help them to financially support their families. We're so grateful to CABWI for helping to make opportunities like this possible for veterans like Luke."

For more information: https://www.wings4warriors.org.uk/

Working Chance (UK)

Working Chance is the UK’s only employment charity solely for women with convictions. We support women to develop the confidence, self-belief and additional skills they need to overcome complex barriers to their employment and improve their employability. By finding meaningful work, women can build lives that give them purpose, hope and financial independence.

Funding from CABWI will enable us to continue providing this vital support to women - including building each woman’s confidence, identifying her career aspirations, and providing tailored practical support with CVs, interview techniques, including the best way to disclose convictions in recruitment processes.

For more information: https://workingchance.org/