Building Young Futures in Egypt. Photo credit: M El-Dakhakny
Supporting our communities
Barclays plays a broader role in the communities in which we live and work beyond what we deliver through our core business activities. We do this through community investment programmes and the direct efforts of our employees.
By aligning our community investment strategy to our skills and experience as a bank, the positive impact of our activity is much more than just a financial contribution.
In 2011, we invested £63.5 million and supported 73,000 employees in our community programmes, reaching more than two million people around the world.
One of the biggest challenges facing communities now is equipping the next generation of young people with the right skills to fulfil their potential. Barclays is helping tackle this issue by investing in community projects that help build the financial, enterprise and life skills of 10 – 35 year olds to help them achieve economic independence and security.
With the right financial skills, disadvantaged young people will know how to manage their finances effectively, avoid debt and have the confidence and knowledge to create a stable financial platform from which to make choices about their lives and achieve future goals.
With the right skills and support to set up their own business, young people will have the opportunity to provide for themselves, their families and support growth of the wider economy.
Acquiring literacy, numeracy and employability skills will help young people who left formal education play a full role in society.
Barclays supports communities by:
• Investing money, time and skills in partnerships with respected and relevant non-governmental organisations, charities and social enterprises. Read more about our community investment programmes.
• Empowering colleagues to use their professional skills and expertise in a range of activities including volunteering, fundraising and regular giving. Read more about our employee programmes.
