Young London residents benefit from scholarship programme

We are leveraging our relationships with contractors to invest in local areas and create opportunities for residents.

Through our Major Works Investment Programme, we have agreements in place with supply chain partners to deliver social value for communities.

This includes supporting people into further education through the Turlogh O’Brien Scholarship programme. Named after a former L&Q chairman who was a passionate advocate for higher and further education, the programme has benefited 29 students since its launch in 2017.

Of the most recent intake of six students, five are studying at a London university with one based in Birmingham. Funding consists of three annual contributions of £6,000 towards their tuition fees, totalling £18,000 per student.

Alaae Brahime, who lives in Southwark and is studying medicine at Kings College London University, is being sponsored by Jigsaw Conferences Limited, a specialist in Emergency and Temporary Accommodation.

Alaae said:

“It’s no secret that the path to becoming a doctor is much more challenging for individuals from lower-income households, including the medical school application process. Financial obstacles are killers of people’s dreams and prospects for the future. L&Q and Jigsaw, through their scholarship and support, serve as the cornerstone of my journey to medical school.

“This level of assistance is something I cannot express enough gratitude for. L&Q and its partners should be incredibly proud for running such a life-changing initiative.”

Matt Corbett, Director of the L&Q Foundation, said:

“We have a vital role to play in improving quality of life and equality of opportunity for residents. Through our social value initiatives, we’re able to make sure that residents are empowered, not excluded, by virtue of the type of home they live in. It’s been great to see Alaae thrive at university.

She continues to show the commitment and drive to succeed, and we look forward to seeing her fulfil her ambitions.

“It’s especially rewarding to see her and the other students flourish knowing that they may not have been able to go on to higher education without the scholarship programme.”

Mandy Kaur, Director at Jigsaw Conference Limited said: 

“Jigsaw Conference Ltd is immensely proud to contribute to the Turlough O’Brien Scholarship, supporting the educational journeys of rising stars like Alaae.

“We’re committed to achieving social value by fostering talent and enabling academic pursuits. Witnessing the profound impact our collaboration with L&Q is having on the lives of young students affirms our dedication to investing in the future of bright minds.

We’re honoured to be part of an initiative that not only helps alleviate financial burdens but also empowers scholars to pursue their dreams without restraint. Jigsaw Conference Ltd remains steadfast in its mission to be a catalyst for change and a beacon of hope for many scholars to come.”

The Turlogh O’Brien scholarship programme is aimed at L&Q residents living in social or affordable rented properties and is open to people looking to study an undergraduate degree of their choice.

It aims to empower people to feel confident and make informed decisions when moving to further education, employment and training. Other supply chain partners that support our scholarship programme are Axis, Wates, Equans, and Breyer.

Alongside the funding, students receive bespoke mentoring support including regular one-to-one meetings and the opportunity for personal development.

We fund a range of programmes to support residents into study and employment. Alongside the Turlogh O’Brien scholarship, our employment support service helped 244 people into work between April 2023 and March 2024.