As part of our ongoing commitment to the National Highways SDF community efforts, Freyssinet recently supported a dignity bag collection initiative led by the SDF North and South East Social Value Working Groups, to provide essential hygiene kits to individuals in need across Wakefield, Darlington in the north, and Maidstone in the south.
In autumn 2024, England recorded 4,667 people sleeping rough – a 20% increase from the previous year and a 91% rise since 2021. This marked a third consecutive annual increase and the highest post-pandemic figure to date. Yorkshire and Humber saw the largest regional rise, with rough sleeping up 43% since 2023.
Among those most affected are care leavers – young people leaving the care system when they turn 18, who then may struggle to secure stable accommodation and employment, and as a result, often lack the basic necessities such as hygiene products.
Thanks to generous donations from our employees and a company contribution, we were able to provide products including soaps, toothbrushes and sanitary products in bulk, delivered to National Highways collection points by Project Manager Brendan O’Sullivan and Contracts Manager Ed Barton.