When a corporate partnership evolves beyond financial support, it creates opportunities for deeper impact. Our Gold Partner Heidelberg Materials UK exemplifies this approach, with initiatives that extend their contribution in meaningful ways to support children's literacy.

"At Heidelberg Materials, we believe that building strong foundations extends beyond our construction materials," says Jops Hill, Social Value & FAIR Coordinator. "Supporting children's literacy creates the strongest foundation of all – one that can transform lives and communities."

Inspiring the next generation through storytelling

One of Heidelberg Materials UK's most creative initiatives has been running an employee story-writing competition for the Chapter One reading platform, which has led to the creation of "Ewan's Quarry Adventure". Written by Emily Stevenson, SHE Business Partner - Aggregates at Heidelberg Materials UK, the story follows a child's visit to the quarry where their mother works.

Heidelberg sponsored the professional editing and illustration of Emily's book, which features striking illustrations by Arantza Valdivia. Launched on World Book Day, "Ewan's Quarry Adventure" is more than just a story; it's an educational journey. Emily works closely with STEM initiatives to promote the industry and its values, offering young people opportunities to explore and engage with the field. Through this book, she hopes to spark curiosity and a love for learning in children, introducing them to the fascinating world of quarries and thoughtfully addressing important themes including health and safety, diversity and inclusion, teamwork, recycling, and biodiversity.

The book has been made available for all Chapter One volunteers and children to read together on the Chapter One reading platform and in our Global Free Library.

In celebration of National Careers Week, Emily visited Leighton Primary in Peterborough to read the story to the children. This initiative perfectly aligns with the Chapter One mission of building children's confidence and expanding their horizons through literacy.

"Emily's story not only encourages reading but also helps children envision future possibilities they might not have considered before," shares Anna Ansted, Chapter One's Corporate Partnerships Manager.

Enhancing the learning environment

Heidelberg Materials UK has also recently provided an additional £10,000 to fund 175 noise-cancelling headsets for Chapter One classrooms across the country. These headsets are currently being rolled out across our schools and serve as important tools that help children and volunteers concentrate during their reading sessions, creating an even more effective environment for learning and development.

"We are enormously grateful to Heidelberg Materials for this generous donation," says Chapter One London Programme Manager Davina Ramen who tried out the new headsets at a school recently. "It's incredible how the noise around you disperses, and only the story and conversation can be shared!"

Reading volunteers making a difference

Heidelberg employees across the UK have embraced our Online Reading Volunteers Programme with dedication. So far this year alone, Heidelberg volunteers have contributed nearly 135 hours (and counting) to reading online with their Chapter One students. These weekly sessions build consistent relationships that foster both reading skills and confidence.

Heidelberg Materials UK volunteers Stewart and Eliane and Louisa have shared their experiences and motivations for joining Chapter One. Their commitment demonstrates how individual employees can make a meaningful difference in a child's reading journey.

We're excited to see how our collaboration with Heidelberg Materials UK will continue to grow and transform even more children's futures.

Photo below: Heidelberg Materials UK volunteer Mark Roberts meeting his pupil and presenting her with her certificate at the end-of-year reading celebration in July 2024.

How can companies get involved in Chapter One?

Chapter One’s virtual, time-efficient, flexible model for volunteering will enhance your company’s employee value proposition, whilst fulfilling CSR or social value commitments around education, social mobility and inclusion. Employees can:

- volunteer online directly from their desks with no travel

- make a direct impact on the lives of children from disadvantaged communities

- support local communities across the UK

- improve their own well-being by helping others

- reconnect with your company’s social purpose

If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll find out who we currently work with on our partners’ page. You can contact us here or email sarah.taylor@chapterone.org.