Social value doesn’t always need to start with a big intervention. Sometimes a small commitment of time, funding or resources can create something much bigger – confidence, connection, opportunity and a place to belong.

That means looking for opportunities to create lasting value in the communities where we work – not only through the buildings we design, but through the commitments we make along the way.

As part of our work with Bath & North East Somerset Council (BaNES) on the early stages of a new local SEN school, we made a commitment to support young people in the Keynsham community. Through the Quartet Community Foundation, that commitment connected us with Keynsham Mencap and its SENsations programme.

A Place to Belong

Keynsham Mencap supports more than 180 children and adults each year, creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities and additional needs to socialise, build confidence, try new things and, importantly, have fun.

Its weekly SENsations groups provide a safe and welcoming space for young people with complex needs. And, speaking to the people who run them, it quickly becomes clear that very little is off the cards. From bike races and canoeing to creative sessions and music, the focus is firmly on what each young person 'can' do.

As a self-funded charity, keeping these opportunities running relies heavily on external support. Our funding will help SENsations continue over the coming months, giving young people and their families the consistency and community the sessions provide.

Small commitments, lasting impact

The value of that support goes far beyond the activity itself.

For Jackson, who attends the over 11s SENsations group, joining has given him a real opportunity to develop a social life. His family has seen his confidence grow significantly, alongside greater patience and understanding of other people’s disabilities. Most importantly, Thursday has become something he genuinely looks forward to.

Having a place where Jackson feels understood, supported and able to be himself has made a meaningful difference to the whole family.

The wider social impact is significant too. For every young person able to participate in weekly activities, there is an estimated £1,550 of additional social benefit. 

Creating a community around shared experiences and a sense of belonging can generate a wellbeing value of more than £4,200 per person.

The benefits extend beyond those attending the sessions. Keynsham Mencap also creates opportunities for young adults to volunteer and gain experience in a working environment. Jethro, who previously benefited from Mencap’s programmes himself, now volunteers alongside its Play & Shine group – becoming part of the support network for others.

Turning commitments into action

Supporting Keynsham Mencap formed part of the social value commitments we made when bidding for our work with BaNES. Securing the project gave us the opportunity to turn that promise into something tangible.

It also forms part of a much wider commitment at AWW. Across 2026/27, we have committed to delivering the equivalent of 0.2% of our contract value in social value across projects throughout the business.

Financial support might feel like a relatively simple intervention, but seeing Keynsham Mencap first-hand reinforced just how far that investment can reach. Our team visited the charity at its new venue and were blown away by the passion of its staff and volunteers – and their determination to create opportunities for young people with SEN to thrive.  And they are already thinking about what comes next.  The team has ambitions to create a new outdoor garden and develop an indoor environment that is welcoming, vibrant and better suited to the different needs of the people who use it.

What could your business do?

Social value doesn't always have to mean a large initiative. It can be time, expertise, resources or financial support – particularly when businesses connect the work they are already doing with the communities around their projects.

For us, supporting Keynsham Mencap has demonstrated the long-term impact that local organisations can create when they are given the resources to keep doing what they do best.

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