Based in Cleator Moor, West Cumbria, Goodlives will use the £7,000 donation from the VINCI UK Foundation to help purchase a new seven-seater vehicle, enabling learners to travel to and from training and support sessions. The vehicle will form a vital part of Goodlives’ Home to Work initiative, ensuring that people living in rural or isolated areas can access education, skills development, and wellbeing support.

Founded to create brighter futures for individuals facing barriers to employment, Goodlives provides holistic, creative, and flexible opportunities that help people move forward in life. Through its Skills4You projects, the organisation delivers innovative learning experiences set within local communities, combining therapeutic and outdoor activities with practical training to improve wellbeing and inspire personal growth.

By addressing challenges such as long-term unemployment, social isolation, poor mental health, and addiction, Goodlives empowers learners to rebuild confidence and work towards meaningful, sustainable employment. The organisation’s open-door approach ensures that anyone in Copeland who needs support can access it in a non-judgemental and inclusive environment.

The addition of a dedicated vehicle will enable Goodlives to introduce a pick-up and drop-off service for learners, helping those without access to reliable transport attend workshops, training sessions, and community projects. This will significantly enhance accessibility and ensure no one is left behind due to geography or circumstance.

“We’re so thankful for this incredible support – it will make such a difference to our Learners. Having our own vehicle that all staff can drive, means as well providing transport to our regular workshops, making sure no one misses out – we can also take Learners to interviews and appointments.   The vehicle will give us the freedom to be more spontaneous in the support we offer. Learners will be able to take up opportunities to grow, connect, and move forward.” Says Karen Jones, Managing Director, Goodlives.

In addition to the financial contribution, Goodlives will receive the support of a VINCI UK Foundation Sponsor, Darren Martin, Project Manager from Actemium UK.

“I’m proud to support Goodlives on this important initiative through the VINCI UK Foundation. This new vehicle will make a real difference in helping people who are otherwise isolated, access the vital support that Goodlives offer. It’s inspiring to see how the charity creates opportunities for personal growth and helps people to overcome barriers to employment in the local community. I look forward to supporting Goodlives not only with this project, but also with future initiatives.”

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The VINCI UK Foundation was founded in 2016 with the mission to strengthen communities by improving access to employment, housing and mobility for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Since then, the VINCI UK Foundation has combined almost £2 million in financial support with the practical skills and expertise of VINCI employees to help over 330 charities or community projects championing social inclusion across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Find out more about Goodlives and the VINCI UK Foundation.