Sheffield - sustainability in action

In 2023, Aviva partnered with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to drive economic growth in the region. 

With a need for approximately 5,000 new homes annually, including 2,000 affordable homes, in South Yorkshire, Aviva and SYMCA will operate a collaborative approach to address the residents’ need for access to safe, affordable housing - focusing on the availability of sustainable housing that contributes to a net-zero economy.

Aviva and SYMCA aim to capitalise on the vast potential of South Yorkshire to drive positive outcomes for the local economy and communities.

The Archer Project gives vulnerable people in Sheffield the tools to rebuild their lives through stable employment. They raised over £125,000 through the Aviva Community Fund, which has allowed them to continue their three-tier service offering which helps homeless people at each stage of their journey towards a more stable and fulfilling life. These include:

• Emergency Support: Offering two hot or cold meals a day, access to showers, laundry facilities, toiletries, clothes and in-house doctor and dental visits.
• Stabilisation: Encouraging volunteer work and participation in social stability groups to build routine and confidence, which are crucial for maintaining stable housing.
• Fulfilment: Assisting individuals in finding employment through the social enterprise ‘Printed by Us’ which provides job opportunities and one-to-one counselling sessions.

It’s a process Chris Lynam knows inside out. “They helped me in more ways than I could quantify,” says Chris. “For someone like me, to go from prison and walk into an employment setting, and not just to be given a job to ‘keep me busy’ but to be given a real job – it changed everything for me.”