We only use cookies for website functionality and security.
Close
Read more

Contributing to communities

We aim to be an energetic and valuable contributor to the communities in which we operate. Our commitment includes active involvement in a range of community volunteering and charity partnerships.

£100,000

charitable donation during the Covid-19 pandemic

£42,500+

raised for the Alzheimer’s Society, the 2021 employee Charity of the Year

50+

Christmas hampers provided to families in need

Employee Volunteer Scheme

Through our community volunteer scheme, every Paragon employee can take a day out each year to volunteer for specific initiatives that help with education and tackle poverty.

We focus our efforts on supporting projects which:

  • educate school pupils to avoid them getting into poverty
  • support individuals currently experiencing poverty
  • help individuals to get out of poverty and back into work

We work alongside Business in The Community to target schemes in need of assistance.

Volunteering

Volunteer Scheme Partners

Our employee volunteer scheme has helped us to build links with a wide range of organisations.

Homeless people

SIFA Fireside

SIFA Fireside is a specialist centre in Birmingham, which provides regular meals, clothing and medical assistance to homeless people. Volunteers help with catering and other support tasks.

Business in the community

Ready for Work

Ready for Work and Life Ready are Business in The Community initiatives operating across the UK. They support some of society’s most disadvantaged people back into employment. Volunteers help participants develop their CVs, improve their interview skills and build their financial awareness.

1-to-1 with jobseeker

BOOST

BOOST is a virtual coaching programme, matching Paragon employees with job seekers who have English as a second language and providing support to build their skills, confidence and employment opportunities during six, 60-90 minutes sessions over a four to six month period.

Local schools

Secondary schools

We foster strong links with local schools, joining in a range of careers days and helping students with CV writing and interview schools. In Solihull, we regularly work with:

  • St Peter’s School
  • Alderbrook School
  • Tudor Grange Academy
  • Solihull Sixth Form
Secondary school
Primary school volunteers

Stanville Primary School

Paragon volunteers helped Stanville Primary School in Sheldon to spruce up their Early Years playground, refreshing flowerbeds, a pergola and a playhouse for children aged 4-6.

Charity of the Year

Each year, our employees select a charity for a fundraising focus. In 2021, our employees raised over £42,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society, despite disruption as a result of the pandemic. For 2022, employees have chosen to fundraise for the mental health charity, Mind.

Southampton to Solihull

Southampton to Solihull

In August 2021, a group of Southampton employees walked, jogged, cycled and paddle-boarded their ‘virtual way’ to our Solihull headquarters and back seven times in an impressive fundraising initiative.

Santa dash

Santa Dash!

In December 2021, employees from across the Group put on Santa suits and took part in local Santa Dash events across the country to raise over £1,000 for Paragon’s Charity of the Year.

In 2020, employees raised £43,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support and, in 2019, they raised £28,000 for Dementia UK.

Financial services and local community charities

Paragon, like many other financial services organisations, contributes to the Foundation for Credit Counselling which operates the StepChange Debt Charity. In 2021, we made a contribution of £912,000.

We also contribute to local charities throughout the year by way of single donations. In 2021, these contributions totalled £39,600. Our main objective is to support those serving the communities in which we operate. Most recently, we helped a range of local schools, sports clubs, hospitals and hospices, as well as charities including:

  • The Down’s Syndrome Association
  • Happy Days Children’s Charity
  • Demelza Hospice Care for Children
  • St Basils
Childrens charity
Christmas hamper

Christmas hampers for CAP clients

In 2021, employees filled over 50 hampers with food and gifts on behalf of the debt counselling charity, Christians Against Poverty. The hampers were then delivered to families in the West Midlands area dealing with debt and in need of some extra care at Christmas.

‘Delivering the Christmas hampers is one of my favourite times of the year. The clients' reactions are a mixture of amazement, gratitude and relief. Please give a huge thanks to all Paragon employees. You are amazing!’

Judy Ward
Christian’s Against Poverty Centre Manager