Reaching Our Two Million Milestone for Shelter
As our five-year partnership with Shelter comes to an end, we’re proud to celebrate an important milestone: our staff, together with the SG UK Foundation, have raised over £2 million for Shelter’s Getting Real Opportunities of Work (GROW) programme.
GROW offers individuals with lived experience of homelessness the opportunity to take on a 12- to 15-month paid placement at Shelter, helping them overcome barriers to employment and unlock their potential.
While developing their own skills, GROW trainees also share insights from their experiences to help Shelter improve existing systems and support others facing similar situations.
Across five years we’ll have funded 36 trainees, who in turn have supported over 7,000 people facing homelessness and housing issues across the UK so far.
“I've got two months left of my GROW traineeship and I have 100% surety that I want to continue campaigning and working to make sure everyone has a home.” GROW trainee
86% of trainees improved their confidence in their employability and wider skills and 70% went on to take the next step in their career following completion of the programme.*
As well as fundraising for GROW, our staff have also acted as career mentors for trainees, helping them identify personal strengths and build confidence. 100% of trainees who received this mentorship reported that it had a positive impact on their life.*
“[My mentor] helped me massively, both with my search for a job and my wellbeing.” GROW mentee
We’re grateful to have worked with Shelter on this meaningful project and to every colleague whose commitment made this achievement possible.
Watch this short video to hear more about Shelter’s impact during our partnership.
*As of 12/01/2026
Raising voices that are usually silenced, it’s what I'm meant to do.
Having lived through addiction and homelessness, I relate deeply to others facing similar challenges.
Since 2021, Societe Generale and the SG UK Foundation have partnered with Shelter to run Getting Real Opportunities of Work.
A 15-month paid traineeship, giving people with lived experience of homelessness the chance to rebuild their careers and their confidence.
Together, we’ll have supported 36 trainees.
Trainees have helped over 7,000 people.
And many trainees have already moved onto jobs, further education, or even roles at Shelter.
Proud to have supported Shelter for five years.