BNP Paribas, a European leader in global banking and financial services, has generously awarded £30,000 to support a number of Vital Regeneration’s most impactful projects.  BNP Paribas’ support will enable Vital Regeneration to deliver a suite of learning and employability programmes for disadvantaged children and young people living in some of the most deprived wards in Westminster.

Robert Jenkins, Head of Corporate Communications at BNP Paribas, commented, “BNP Paribas is committed to investing in key partners within our local community that inspire and drive social and economic change.  Vital Regeneration’s distinctive and innovative programmes are reflective of the culture of BNP Paribas and will provide a range of volunteering opportunities for the bank’s staff to get involved and make a difference in their local community.”

BNP Paribas is committed to supporting educational achievement through activities for local residents from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in their local area.  Their support of Vital Regeneration’s Homework Clubs will help foster educational attainment in 8-13 year old children living in dense, overcrowded homes in some of Westminster’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, particularly where child poverty is acute.  This initiative will enable Vital Regeneration to run two Homework Clubs providing 400 learning hours to support children that would otherwise struggle academically, as they make the critical transition between primary and secondary school.

BNP Paribas’ contribution will also enable Vital Regeneration to purchase high quality audio-visual and digital media equipment to support their youth media programmes that work with hundreds of young people between 14-19 years of age who are NEET (not in education, employment or training).  This initiative will enhance the employability and life skills of young people and facilitate their progress them into further education, jobs or apprenticeships.

Vital Regeneration’s Chief Executive, Angela McConville said, “We are thrilled to be working with the team at BNP Paribas and extremely grateful for their support.  BNP Paribas are a pioneer in local giving and have an innovative approach to Corporate Social Responsibility.  We look forward to continuing to work together with them in partnership to make a real difference in the lives of some of the most socially excluded residents in Westminster.”