At halow, we believe every young person with a learning disability or autism should have the opportunity to live independently, build confidence, and thrive in their community. None of this would be possible without the support of our partners. That’s why we are so proud to celebrate our ongoing partnership with the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation UK (IICF) and Berkley Specialty London (BSL), whose generosity and commitment are helping us to transform lives.

Opening Doors Through Technology: The IT Crowd

Having donated an incredible £7,880 thanks to IICF’s grant funding, halow has been able to deliver our IT Crowd programme, where young people gain vital STEM and digital skills.

From learning the essentials of internet safety, CV writing, and online banking, to exploring creative challenges like 3D printing, coding, and even crime scene investigation projects, these sessions are about so much more than technology. They build confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement.

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“I love doing animation on the computer and making presentations. I feel more confident after learning new skills like using new software on the computer”. - IT Crowd participant

With IICF’s support, our young people are not only learning new skills but also discovering their potential.

Building Futures Through Travel Training

IICF has also generously supported Travel Training within halow’s Building Futures programme. This initiative teaches young people to navigate public transport, trains, buses, and even apps like Google Maps, so they can move through the world with confidence.

From journeys to London Zoo and Fleet Pond Nature Reserve, to exploring local communities by bus, our young people are opening up new opportunities for both work and leisure.

Travel training is about more than reaching a destination. It’s about developing independence, resilience, and the confidence to overcome challenges like cancelled trains or taking a wrong turn and still finding the way forward. At halow we believe agency is a fundamental aspect of our supported adults' lives, with the IICF's support have been been able to cement that foundation into our curriculum.

Stepping Up for halow: Fundraising in Action

This summer, our partnership with IICF went even further. Through the Step Up Challenge, employees at Berkley Specialty London (a Berkley Company) raised an incredible £1,620 for halow.

These funds are already helping us transform part of our Guildford office into a brand-new education hub, a safe, inclusive space that will host sessions in technology, life skills, and creative activities. This hub will provide the tools and environment young people need to develop skills, confidence, and independence for years to come.

And the support didn’t stop there. BSL employees also volunteered at the Damon Hill Karting Challenge, helping raise an amazing £35,000 to support halow’s work.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Partnerships

At halow, we know we can’t do this work alone. Partnerships like ours with IICF and BSL are proof of what can happen when business and community come together with purpose. Together, we are building opportunities, opening doors, and empowering young people with learning disabilities and autism to live independent and fulfilling lives.

From everyone at halow, thank you, IICF and BSL, for stepping up and supporting our young people to thrive.

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