We are proud of our contribution to the community, whether that be through local initiatives (such as employee volunteering or fundraising activities) or through broader community, educational and STEM outreach programmes.
Outreach programmes
These programmes include the Industrial Cadets, the Engineering for a Cleaner World programme with Crossness Power Station and Bexley Eco Fest with the London Borough of Bexley.
We also welcome thousands of people from local schools and community groups to tour our facilities every year.
We conduct these tours to raise awareness of responsible waste management and the circular economy.
Engineering for a Cleaner World
Cory and Crossness Pumping Station run a programme to demonstrate innovation in the waste management sector and inspire local school children to consider careers in engineering. The programme builds on the existing relationship between Cory and Crossness, following Cory’s donation of £130,000 to secure the future of the Pumping Station as a local community asset in 2018.
The Engineering for a Cleaner World programme gives year eight pupils the opportunity to visit Crossness and Cory sites and compare, contrast and assess the effectiveness of their engineering solutions to waste management.
Following an introduction to the programme, pupils visit Crossness Pumping Station in Abbeywood, a Grade 1 listed industrial heritage site designed as part of the first sewage system for London, and Cory’s state-of-the-art Riverside EfW facility. The programme concludes with pupil presentations of their own mechanical devices to earn a certificate from the Engineering Development Trust.
Community Fund
Our Community Fund supports activities that improve people’s lives in the communities where we operate, with successful applicants receiving grants of up to £7,500.
These organisations’ activities are all run in a way that’s consistent with Cory’s values. That includes making a positive impact on the local people in the community, protecting the local environment, supporting the circular economy, promoting social and community cohesion, together with diversity and inclusion, and improving science, technology, engineering, mathematical and the arts skills.
In 2021, Cory distributed funding to five organisations:
- London Youth Rowing – enabling young people to participate in indoor and on-water rowing across London, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability or ability.
- Friends of Lesnes Abbey – offering education and skills sharing packages to community groups working in green spaces and schools, based in Lesnes Abbey Woods, including teaching traditional green woodworking craft skills as well as the circular economy of woodland management, recycling, and repurposing.
- Churches Together in Crayford – setting up a Community Fridge in Crayford, Bexley, where surplus food from local food businesses, producers and households can be shared.
- Nature Vibezzz – providing free nature-focused activities at Knights Hill Wood for families and children from London Borough of Lambeth areas classified as areas of deprivation. Activities include woodcraft, reuse workshops, litter picking and practical nature conservation activities that will help both increase the safety of the site for users and local biodiversity.
- School of Hard Knocks – working with pupils at risk of exclusion or low educational attainment, using rugby to teach emotional control, develop confidence and practice reactions to challenging situations.
So what are you waiting for?
Increase your impact today by applying to Cory’s Community Fund.
