Community Impact

Here are some recent examples of how our teams working on the Calder Valley Flood Alleviation Schemes have connected with the local community.

A group of BAM employees standing together in front of a decorated Christmas tree at Happy Days during a volunteering day. They are smiling and dressed casually, with a festive atmosphere in the background.
How we give back

We are dedicated to supporting local communities across the Calder Valley through the following:

  • We employ local people on our flood alleviation schemes and assist the unemployed through career mentoring.
  • We engage with local schools and colleges to educate students about careers in the industry.
  • We provide training, apprenticeship opportunities, and work experience placements.
  • We create purchasing opportunities for local suppliers and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSE).
  • Our staff actively participate in community projects through volunteering, contributing their time and skills to support local initiatives and foster community spirit.
  • We provide tailored business advice to VCSEs, helping them enhance their operational efficiency, strategic planning, and sustainability, thereby strengthening their impact on the community.
A table neatly arranged with materials for building bug hotels, including wooden blocks, bamboo canes, pine cones, twine, small terracotta pots, and hand tools. The setup is ready for a hands-on activity, with natural and recycled items laid out in an inviting and organised manner, encouraging creativity and environmental learning.
Bug Hotels – Copley Flood Alleviation Scheme

The team working on the Copley Flood Alleviation Scheme collaborated with residents of Copley Village to create bug hotels as part of our biodiversity initiatives. They utilised recycled timber from the construction works to build the frames and worked with local volunteers to gather natural materials for filling the bug hotels. Approximately 20 local families participated in the workshop held at Old Rishworthians Rugby Club. We would like to extend our gratitude to local residents Martha and Sarah for their significant contributions in organising these workshops.

Colourful hoarding artwork displayed at the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme site, created collaboratively by local charities and young people. The artwork features vibrant illustrations, messages of community resilience, and environmental themes, bringing creativity and awareness to the flood protection project.
Wellholme Park – Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme

During the summer of 2024, the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme involved community organisations and schools in decorating the site fencing at Wellholme Park through various art projects. The organisations involved included:

  • Focus4Hope.
  • Friends of Wellholme Park.
  • Trinity Academy St Chads.
  • St Andrews Junior School.
  • Lightcliffe Academy.
  • Wellholme Park Nursery.
  • Children and Grandchildren of the site team.

The site team at Wellholme Park has also hosted visits for local school students and key stakeholders, educating them about the importance of the flood alleviation scheme and its environmental benefits for Brighouse. Additionally, we have supported Friends of Wellholme Park by donating equipment to assist their volunteer efforts in maintaining the park's cleanliness.

Two men standing and examining flood information boards. The boards display maps, diagrams, and text about local flood risks and safety measures. The men appear engaged and in discussion.
Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme

Highlights from the Hebden Bridge include creating flood awareness posters with a local school. These artworks were displayed at the Hebden Bridge Information Centre. The Flood Information Centre also participated in the Hebden Yorkshire Art Trail by showcasing local artwork in its window, thus supporting local artists.

Volunteering

During the winter of 2024, we actively supported local charities, including VAC, Focus4Hope, and Happy Days, through our volunteering efforts. To see more about our activities and the positive impact on the community, watch the video.

The BAM team has continued its support at Happy Days by offering a series of IT drop-in sessions. These sessions allow service users and volunteers to learn the basics of computer use.

“The weekly IT lessons offered by BAM have proven to be an invaluable resource for our volunteers. These sessions, designed for service members, residents, and volunteers, are making a significant impact, particularly for three volunteers who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. For people who have spent years in addiction, even the simplest skills, such as using a computer, can feel like enormous barriers. These IT lessons provide a vital opportunity for our volunteers to reskill themselves and regain confidence. The progress they are making is a tremendous achievement and reflects their dedication and hard work in recovery.” – Natasha Schofield.

Local Employment

BAM regularly engage with Calderdale Employment hub and advertise job opportunities to local residents. They have recently employed two new Calderdale resident team members, who had previously had difficulties finding a role in the Civil Engineering industry.

 

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