Two UK charities supporting people experiencing homelessness are to share £523,000 from UCB following an overhaul by the global health firm’s funding for good causes.

UCB had paused its Community Health Fund during 2025 to carry out a review of its impact, which has concluded that it should back “fewer charities over a longer period to support lasting impact”.

A total of £3.1m is being made available over three years to 12 charities globally following the review, including youth homelessness charity Centrepoint and homeless patients support charity Pathway.

Both UK charities will share £523,000 as part of the fund’s commitment to tackle health inequalities.

“By Providing more meaningful support, over more time, we hope to help create change that truly lasts,” said UCB Community Health fund secretary general Xavier Hormaechea.

“By focusing our support where it can make the greatest difference, I hope we help these organisations create fairer health outcomes and brighter futures for the people they serve.”

Centrepoint will use its funding to help young people impacted by homelessness to access mental health support.

“Homelessness can have a profound impact on a young person’s mental wellbeing, and without confidence and good mental health, it becomes even harder for them to move out of homelessness and build fulfilling lives,” said Centrepoint mental health support services senior manager Richard Banks.

Meanwhile, Pathway will use its funding to strengthen its work with the NHS to improve healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.

The charity’s chief executive Alex Bax warns that patients experiencing homelessness can die on average 30 years younger than the general population due to problems accessing healthcare.

Charities in Belgium, United States, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Switzerland are also benefitting from funding, which is focused in countries where UCB has a strong presence.

The fund was set up in 2020 and is administered by Belgium based King Baudouin Foundation

Since its launch it has supported more than 30 charities in the UK and Ireland.

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