Based in Glasgow, Scotland, the school provides a specialised learning experience for 123 students, aged 11-19, all of whom have profound and severe disabilities compounded with other health issues and require an elevated level of support and intervention on a daily basis. Friends of Ashton helps to finance extracurricular projects devised by the school teachers to supplement the general taught studies in a way that is appropriate for the students.  

“We are delighted that Vinci Foundation are supporting the young people of Ashton towards securing positive outcomes. Our project will allow some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable children to develop their communication, social skills and independence through a work experience programme which takes our established café on tour. Ultimately the experience will support belonging in their immediate, local and wider communities. We cannot thank Vinci Foundation enough and look forward to visiting them in the near future.” – Nicola Lavery, Headteacher, Ashton Secondary School 

The funds will aid the students in running the on-site café, purchasing items such as a smoothie maker, barista machine and also a card payment machine. The school hopes to take the café “on tour” into the community – enabling the students to learn valuable interpersonal skills, allowing for a smoother integration into society. In the future, the school hopes to develop a separate shop where the students can sell items they have made, including plants and vegetables grown in their polytunnels. 

In addition to the financial contribution, Friends of Ashton will receive the support of a VINCI UK Foundation Sponsor Pamela Kirk (From Kigtek Solutions), who will help develop and grow their marketing strategy – this includes helping them to create leaflets, pop up stands and plan and develop their website. Pamela will also support Ashton Secondary School’s initiative of getting the café on the go – this will include facilitating coffee mornings at the Kigtek office for the charity to host as well as try and encourage other business units in the park to get involved. 

 “I’m delighted to be the sponsor for Friends of Ashton. Their message that disability does not mean inability is incredibly important to create better, stronger communities and provide the kids of Ashton Secondary School the opportunity to reach positive destinations when they leave. All at Kigtek are looking forward to our first Friends of Ashton coffee morning and building our relationship further.” – Pamela Kirk, Marketing and Sales Assistant and SHEQ Coordinator, Kigtek Solutions.

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 £1.3 million in financial support with the practical skills and expertise of VINCI employees to help over 240 charities or community projects championing social inclusion across the UK and Republic of Ireland. 
 
Find out more about the Ashton Secondary School and the VINCI UK Foundation.