Z Zurich Foundation

Since 2011, the Olive Tree Café in Swindon has been a vital community space, helping people with mental health challenges to gain skills and build confidence.   In 2024, the café encountered a major crisis that forced it to close, jeopardizing both staff jobs and the charity's future. Kenny Baxter, who volunteers as a trustee, found his business skills invaluable as he and the other trustees switched to "crisis mode" to seek solutions.   With support from the Zurich Community Trust, the Z Zurich Foundation, and the Swindon community rallying behind them, the café emerged stronger than before.   Read the full story ⬇️

How can programs like One Young World accelerate your business and social impact? Join the Z Zurich Foundation and One Young World in this webinar, which will explore how companies and foundations can maximise their impact by investing in young talent. Discover the benefits of partnering with non-profit organisations and the role of corporate foundations in empowering the next generation to drive meaningful change.  🗣️Kate Robertson, Co-founder and CEO of One Young World and Gary Shaughnessy CBE Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of the Z Zurich Foundation. 📅 20 February 2025 | 10:00 GMT Register here https://lnkd.in/d-SkwhWi

🌍💻 A big part of our lives happens online and helping to keep young people safe online starts with us. From social media to gaming and AI-generated content, the digital world is evolving fast. While it offers endless opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents risks. ⬇️ Swipe to see our tips, and tell us in the comments ·     one thing you wish more young people knew about staying safe online   You never know who your tip might help. We can all work together to make the internet a safer, more positive space for young people. 🌍💻 #SaferInternetDay #OnlineSafety #MentalWellbeing #DigitalWellbeing 

🌡️ Extreme Heat: Australia’s deadliest climate hazard As our climate changes, extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, and dangerous. Through our Urban Climate Resilience Program (UCRP), Australian Red Cross, Zurich Australia, and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC are working with communities in Western Sydney to adapt, prepare, and stay safe during Australia’s hottest days. 🏙️ What is UCRP? The Urban Climate Resilience Program is a global initiative in 9 countries supporting communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate hazards, such as extreme heat, flooding, wildfires and storms. In Western Sydney, UCRP focuses on: > Raising awareness about the risks of extreme heat. > Providing practical tools and resources to prepare and respond. > Collaborating with local leaders and organizations to build long-term resilience. Through this initiative local communities are learning to protect themselves and thrive, even in extreme conditions. Together, we’re building a safer, more resilient future. Learn more about how to prepare for heatwaves https://lnkd.in/dXuQX3J3

🌼 Giving young people the chance to bloom 🌼    We believe in creating opportunities for every young person to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Alongside Zurich Sweden, we collaborate with Maskrosbarn, an organization supporting children whose parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, or expose them to violence.   'Maskrosbarn' translates to ‘dandelion children’, a phrase which refers to individuals who persevere despite facing severe adversity.    Much like dandelions, these young people exhibit extraordinary resilience and strength - in the toughest conditions. But even the most resilient need and deserve support.    Collaborating with Maskrosbarn enables Zurich Sweden employees to actively engage as volunteers, contributing time and skills to initiatives that build better futures.   This commitment fosters a deeper connection to the community and will make a positive impact on young lives today and for years to come!   #ZurichSweden #Maskrosbarn #CommunityImpact #Resilience #Volunteering

🌍 With extreme weather events on the rise, being prepared can make all the difference. ⬇️ This advice from the IFRC can help protect yourself, your loved ones and your communities. When disasters strike, ensuring your safety is the first priority, but don't overlook the importance of mental wellbeing. Seek support from others, stay connected, and take time to check in with yourself. Read more advice on how to be prepared, make plans and support one another through challenging times: https://lnkd.in/dQvxzxfv #DisasterPreparedness #RespondingToCrisis

🌟 Turning barriers into stepping stones through the Zurich Insurance Pathways Program (ZIPP) in Canada!   Since 2021, ZIPP has engaged with young people from underserved communities facing multiple obstacles to accessing and securing jobs. This thoughtfully designed program, equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their careers.   The comprehensive learning experience includes: 🌱 Skills Development 🤝 Networking 🌟 Personal Growth Participants engage with professionals from Zurich and Marsh during training and internships, enabling them to secure full-time employment and transform their lives.   Hear from Shane and Ade, who recently completed the program and have started new careers.   “The ZIPP initiative has profoundly impacted my life. Before this program, imposter syndrome had limited my belief in what I could achieve. Now, I've realized that there are no limits to my potential. This initiative is exactly the kind of support that will continue to uplift and empower individuals in my community.” Shane Thomas Underwriting Associate , Middle Markets 2022 ZIPP Alumnus   Since the program, I have gained confidence in my skills and discovered new strengths I didn't know I had. I now see opportunities for growth and advancement, motivating me to pursue roles that align more closely with my interests and potential. Adeyinka (Ade) Adedire Associate, Cyber 2023 ZIPP Alumnus   We are proud to work across sectors and industries with Zurich Canada, Marsh Canada Limited , CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals , IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) and United Way Greater Toronto to provide training and employment opportunities for young talents and positively impact communities.

🌍 What will education look like tomorrow? 📚   As AI continues to influence the world of work, the skills young people need to develop are changing.   Education, skills, and employment are a top priority for youth today. However, the number of jobs does not match demand. All of us - governments, businesses, and educators - need to work together to better equip our young people with the adaptability and creativity they need to succeed.   ⬇️ Swipe to discover the fastest growing skills and how we can support young people to excel in the jobs of the future.   #InternationalDayOfEducation #EnablingSocialEquity

Actions Beyond Words   This week, Davos, Switzerland, becomes the focal point of global discussions as the World Economic Forum holds its annual meeting. Over the years, this event has evolved as a global platform where leaders from various sectors—public, private, and civil society—convene to discuss and address the world’s most pressing issues, spanning from political to societal developments.   As a corporate foundation, this annual event brings together some of our strategic partners and key stakeholders, providing us with an opportunity to advance our collective agenda in alignment with our four strategic areas: adapting to climate change, improving mental wellbeing, enabling social equity, and responding to crises.   In addition to engaging with strategic partners, we joined UNICEF’s discussion on “Investing in Children to Advance Health Equity” and emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing the prevention of mental health disorders and promoting youth mental wellbeing. Described as the ‘invisible pandemic,’ non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions could cost the global economy over $47 trillion by 2040. UNICEF’s latest report, supported by BCG and titled “Building Blocks for Lifelong Health: Why We Must Prioritize Children,” underscores that by focusing on prevention, we have the unique opportunity to reshape the future of millions of young lives and alleviate the burden on already strained health systems. You can access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eCJKBtZJ   Furthermore, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, we convened philanthropy leaders to discuss an action-oriented approach to enhancing adaptation and resilience in climate-vulnerable communities. Addressing the current climate crisis effectively requires a rapid scale-up of resilience and adaptation projects, as well as connecting funders with local actors who are driving systemic change. This collaboration will emphasize the implementation of real-world solutions rather than merely discussing the challenges of climate adaptation and resilience. #WEF25 #Partnerships #MentalHealth #ClimateAdaptation Gregory Renand

“I think having someone you look up to talk about this stuff is so, so important. You realise that these people who you can think are superhuman, are not so different at all”. – Zac Ward Role models like Zac Ward, an international rugby player and Tackle Your Feelings Ambassador, are breaking the stigma and silence around mental health, and inspiring young people to prioritize their mental wellbeing In sharing his experiences, Zac is helping lead the change to open conversations on mental health, building resilience and seeking help. Rates of depression and anxiety among youth and adolescents have risen in recent years but with the right support and resources, we can attempt to counteract this by enhancing mental wellbeing and building resilience to life's ups and downs. Find out more about in Zac’s interview where he details his journey and insights. #MentalWellbeing #MentalHealth #TackleYourFeelings Rugby Players Ireland Zurich Ireland