Reconomy helps rough sleepers this Christmas, as part of its ongoing Social Value Programme

Leading provider of outsourced waste management and resource-led services, Reconomy, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to its ambitious and industry-leading social value programme.

Since it was formally launched in April 2019, the Reconomy Social Value Programme (RSVP) has already doubled the level of social value generated by the company in 2018. Its overarching aim is to help vulnerable groups into work, reduce modern slavery, close the waste industry skills gap and build stronger community links.

The programme has now been taken one step further this Christmas, as the company has diverted budget normally used for Christmas gifts for customers and partners, instead opting to make a significant donation to Telford’s Bleak Midwinter Project.

Telford’s Bleak Midwinter Project is a response to the government’s non-funded Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and aims to provide emergency accommodation for homeless people during periods of below-zero night-time temperatures. The project is being delivered in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and local charities Maninplace, Stay Telford and YMCA Wellington.

Reconomy has made a £2,500 donation to the project in the name of its customers, which will help to get homeless people into accommodation when the weather is at its most severe.

Kay Bennett, Operations Support Administrator, from the Bleak Midwinter Project (Stay-Telford), said: “We are incredibly grateful to Reconomy for the very generous donation towards the Bleak Midwinter Project. The donation will help to ensure that no one sleeps rough during the coldest months December to February and, as in previous years, it will help 100s of people and potentially save lives.”

Paul Cox, Chief Executive of Reconomy, comments: “We have been extremely encouraged by our customers’ response to our Social Value Programme and knew that they would be 100% behind us in our decision to re-allocate budget to this incredible local project.

“The donation made by Reconomy will provide at least 50 beds to rough sleepers, providing safety and sanctuary to some of society’s most vulnerable individuals who are not fortunate enough to spend the festive period in the warmth, surrounded by family and friends.”