Almost 1,000 people recovering from homelessness have accessed specialist training through St Mungo’s Construction Skills Centres over the past decade, thanks to the support of Taylor Wimpey.
The homebuilder has now donated more than £1 million to the charity, helping people supported by St Mungo’s to gain practical skills, rebuild their confidence, and take positive steps towards further training, education, and employment as they recover from homelessness.
Taylor Wimpey’s support has enabled St Mungo’s to run two Construction Skills Centres in Camden and Hackney, London, and will also support the opening of a third centre in Bristol. The new Stokes Croft-based centre, expected to launch later this year, will help even more people on their recovery journey.
To mark nearly a decade of partnership and celebrate Taylor Wimpey’s £1 million donation milestone, participants from St Mungo’s Construction Skills programme created a bespoke planter bench for the city of Bristol.
The bench is now located at Taylor Wimpey’s Netherton Grange development in Nailsea, leaving a lasting legacy of the partnership, and showcasing just some of the skills developed through the programme.
A second commemorative bench has also been created for a London location.
Steve Huggins, Construction Skills Manager at St Mungo’s, said: “Every day, I see the lasting impact Construction Skills has on people rebuilding their lives after homelessness. Many arrive lacking confidence and direction, but over time a real transformation takes place. Participants develop practical, employable skills and begin to believe in their own potential again.
This work is about far more than learning a trade. It’s about restoring purpose, pride and a sense of belonging. We’re hugely grateful to Taylor Wimpey for their generosity and commitment. Their support doesn’t just fund this project – it genuinely changes lives.”
Jay Hunt, Head of Partnerships at St Mungo’s, said: “Taylor Wimpey has been an outstanding partner to St Mungo’s for many years, and it is incredible that they have donated over £1 million to St Mungo’s in that time. Their continued support is fundamental to the day to day running of our Construction Skills Centres in London and will also allow us to reach even more people on their recovery journey as we look to expand the project to Bristol. We’re incredibly grateful for Taylor Wimpey’s ongoing commitment.”
Anne Billson-Ross, Group Human Resources Director and Chair of Taylor Wimpey’s Charity Committee, said: “We believe that we can make amazing things happen when we work collaboratively with others and we are extremely proud to be a supporter of St Mungo’s. Every single one of us plays a vital role in bringing to life incredible places and spaces, where anyone can thrive and the charity does such vital work in helping people to build a better future. With our funding towards a new Construction Skills Centre in Bristol, we hope that many more can benefit from their support.”
Keith Simmons, Managing Director at Taylor Wimpey Bristol, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new Construction Skills Centre in Bristol coming to fruition. A lot of time and effort has gone into making this happen, and I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in creating a space that will support so many people. The new centre will open doors for individuals to develop new skills, access opportunities and improve social mobility, helping to change their lives for the better.
“A special thank you to our supplier Symphony Kitchens who very kindly donated new kitchen units. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the new centre open in the near future.”
Alongside offering vocational training, St Mungo’s Construction Skills project helps participants strengthen wellbeing and re-establish a sense of independence after experiencing homelessness. Participants gain experience across a range of trades including painting and decorating, tiling, plumbing and carpentry.
Many report positive changes beyond employability after taking part. In a recent survey of project participants, 85% said they felt more connected to other people after taking part, while 86% reported improvements in their wellbeing.
Over 40 participants gained accredited qualifications through the Construction Skills project last year.
St Mungo’s Construction Skills Centre opens in Bristol soon.
