NEWS
Building communities, not just offices

Building communities, not just offices

The pandemic knows no boundaries. Regardless of income, employment or generation, the last months have shown how vulnerable we all are. Causing job loss, increasing social isolation, and impacting mental health.

Whilst these impacts are hurting even those that are privileged with homes, secure jobs, and access to healthcare, spare a thought for people already in difficult circumstances. Those without safe and warm housing, those without access to support, those lacking savings or healthcare. And those with no community around them to help. Charities – normally playing an incredible role by supporting people in need at times like this – themselves are struggling as donations recede and fundraising disappears.

This pandemic has made us all pause and think. Through our own struggles, we become more aware, more empathetic of those already in hardship.

At FORE, we build in communities that are vibrant, multicultural and dynamic; Glasgow is a powerhouse for live music, events, creativity. We know we can build on this, and make positive social impact through our projects to help address the challenges facing our communities caused by the pandemic. One of the pillars of our business is to invest not only in city centre buildings but to support grassroots organisations providing tangible support for those who need it most.

Before we put a shovel in the ground, we’ve already spent months identifying local organisations that provide outreach and have put in place plans to support them the best we can. At Cadworks, we've identified Refuweegee, Soul Riders and Social Bite, and are open to helping other groups. Each of these remarkable and inspiring organisations creates real change.  Whether we source space for them, help with logistics and marketing, or offer extra hands when needed, we will and we do. On other projects across the UK, we have provided jobs to the homeless, supported ex-service men and women, improved literacy through book donations, and trained those looking to learn new skills.  These initiatives, driven by the private sector and fuelled by a burning commitment to do good as we do well, are needed now more than ever.

We are under no illusion that these are challenging times. However, there are incredible groups in cities across the country providing support, access to healthcare, and mental health back up. New buildings become not just part of a city’s skyline, but also part of the tapestry of society itself. We need to look at how else we can support the fabric of our communities by supporting its people.