Suez donates £3 million through its Communities Fund

This funding initiative, originally established in 1997, provides awards of up to £50,000 to not-for-profit organisations.  

The fund focuses on projects that benefit the wider community and environment, operating under the guidelines of the Landfill Communities Fund and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund. 

This year Heyside Cricket Club in Oldham received £48,000 to install new washrooms and revamp the community space, enhancing comfort for its players. 

Another beneficiary of the Fund is Bury Metropolitan borough council, awarded approximately £50,000 for upgrades to the Summerseat play area. The newly constructed play area features a rustic wooden design and includes a climbing frame, basket swing, toddler swing unit and a ground-level trampoline. 

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “This incredible play area is packed with exciting activities to support children to learn while they play. Made mostly of wood, it not only complements and blends in with the local surroundings, it’s also more sustainable with less impact on the environment.” 

‘Approach’ 

John Scanlon, chief executive officer for Suez recycling and recovery UK, said: “Social value and sustainability are embedded in our approach to all of our activities. As such, we’re really pleased to see a wide range of community groups and organisations benefiting their local communities and environment supported by the funding we provide as an operator of landfill facilities.  

“We operate a number of funding schemes throughout the company alongside encouraging our staff to take volunteer days and support causes close to their hearts.” 

Fund 

Administered by the independent charity Grantscape, the fund channels contributions from Suez recycling and recovery UK. Eligible projects must be located either in Scotland or within the vicinity of one of the 80 qualifying Suez sites across the UK. 

Last year, over 100 groups in England and Scotland received funding, examples included restoration works at the Customs House Theatre Trust in South Shields, the installation of a female changing room at Jarrovians RUFC in Newcastle, improvements to play areas for Cornwood Parish council in Devon, and the redevelopment of an outdoor court at Forthill Community Sports Club in Dundee.