As part of its mission to improve social inclusion for the most disadvantaged people, the Fondation VINCI UK gave £6,975 to Shine, a Peterborough-based charity for disabled people. This financial aid from the Fondation VINCI UK, along with practical support from the charity’s sponsor, Russell Crampin, Managing Director of Axians UK, will help Shine transform its CRM (customer relationship management) software package into a sophisticated MIS (management information system).

Founded in 1966, Shine (Spina bifida – Hydrocephalus – Information – Networking – Equality) provides specialist support prenatally and throughout the life of every person living with spina bifida or hydrocephalus, as well as their families and care providers. Today, the charity is a community of 75,000 people, families, friends and professionals across the United Kingdom.

“Harnessing Data, Empowering Communities”

The aim of the “Harnessing Data, Empowering Communities” project is to develop, supply and integrate a powerful database for the organisation. Shine personnel will use the system to match up children of similar age who have similar lived experiences. It will also be able to implement preventative healthcare plans to avoid health complications and improve quality of life for its members.

“The new management information system will make a big difference to the speed and quality of information we can provide to the people and families we support”, says Shine’s Trusts & Foundations Manager, Nicola Graves. “Russell’s IT knowledge will ensure that the project is a success.”

Russell Crampin, Managing Director at Axians UK, emphasises that: “Recently, Shine faced an unprecedented demand for services from its members.I’m certain that their new information platform will enable them to provide an even greater level of support in the years to come.”

The Fondation VINCI UK combines the skills and practical expertise of VINCI employees with financial donations to support charities fighting against social exclusion. Alongside these organisations, it helps strengthen the communities around VINCI business units by improving access to training, employment, accommodation, healthcare, mobility and leisure for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. Since its creation in 2016, the Fondation VINCI UK has donated almost £1.2 million to 169 charities in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

* Spina bifida is a fault in the development of the spinal cord and surrounding vertebrae that leaves a gap in the spine. As a result, the spinal cord does not form properly, and may also be damaged.

** Hydrocephalus describes a build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the chambers of the brain. It compresses the surrounding tissue and increases the pressure inside the skull.

You can find out more on the website at Shinecharity.