The Guinness Partnership celebrates two community projects recognised at G15 Awards

The G15 comprises London's largest housing associations that provide over 650,000 homes across the country and are the biggest providers of affordable homes in London. This year, in addition to publishing its annual Community Impact Report G15 members representing London’s largest housing associations submitted nominations for the most inspiring and impactful community-led projects of 2024.

Guinness resident Kian Teixeria, who lives in a Guinness home in Brixton, Lambeth won The Young Heroes award after completing a two-year programme with one of our community investment partners, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation (RFF).

Guinness has been working with RFF to provide opportunities for young people to improve their employability and life skills. Kian has progressed from being an RFF volunteer, to being a member of the team and programme ambassador. Kian is now enjoying his time as an intern with Ralph Lauren.

Commenting on Kian’s win Eadaoin Kelly, Senior Community Partnership Manager at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are delighted that Kian has won this award, in recognition of all his hard work and dedication. We would also like to thank the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, who continue to help inspire and empower young people to reach their potential.”

Kian said: “I am thrilled to have won this award and would like to thank the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and Guinness for all their support. The foundation opened doors I never knew existed, helping me transform my dreams into a fulfilling career. What once seemed impossible became my reality, thanks to their belief in my potential and constant support.”

Shauna Belvett, Head of London Programmes for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation said: "We’re incredibly proud of Kian for receiving the Young Heroes award—it’s a testament to his dedication and hard work. Guinness is a valued and trusted partner of the Foundation, not just in London but also in Manchester and beyond. Our partnership thrives because we share the same commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people, empowering them to reach their full potential."

Guinness’s second winning nominee was national charity Sal’s Shoes which won the ‘Community Group delivering projects supporting Cost of Living’ award in recognition of the fantastic work carried out by its London based shops.

Since 2020, Guinness has partnered with the national charity to provide free footwear to children in need across several of their communities, including Hackney. Sal’s Shoes collect good-condition, pre-worn shoes from across the country and via a network of over 500 national grassroots partners, these shoes are distributed to those who need them most.

In 2023/24 Sal's Shoes provided 1,890 pairs of shoes through Guinness’s community hubs.

CJ Bowry, founder of Sal’s Shoes, said: “Social investment is about investing in people and communities. We were delighted to be contacted by The Guinness Partnership with a view to helping support the families they house.

"Too many families don’t have the luxury of being able to go shoe shopping, without the worry of what that purchase means they go without. From our family feedback forms, we know more often than not, the money saved will be spent on food. Our collaboration with Guinness has gone from strength to strength and really this award is recognition of what can be achieved when smaller charities have the support of larger companies, genuinely hoping to make a positive impact in the communities where they work.”

Brian Hamlin Community Partnership Manager at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are very proud to work with CJ and to be one of Sal’s Shoes partners. Winning this award is well deserved, and a testament to all the hard work that goes into ensuring children don’t go without the shoes they so desperately need.”

There are currently 4.3m children in the UK living in poverty. School uniform costs put huge pressure on families, who cut back on essentials, with children experiencing judgement and stigma for attending school in the wrong clothes. One in ten families go into debt buying uniforms, some buying children’s shoes on hire purchase.