Supporting social innovation

Zurich Ireland, together with the Z Zurich Foundation, is proud to support innovative social enterprises that drive real change in communities across Ireland. In July 2020, Zurich Ireland and the Foundation announced a €500,000 donation to Rethink Ireland’s Innovate Together Fund, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to projects that tackle current and long-term social, economic, and environmental challenges.

One of the fund’s awardees, Hair Together Salon and Academy, recently celebrated its official opening in Ballymun, Dublin. This unique social enterprise is the first of its kind globally and was founded by Eileen McHugh in 2020. By combining wellbeing activities with hairstyling and barbering, Hair Together empowers young people and adults, providing them with valuable skills for employment and education.

At Zurich Ireland, we believe in supporting initiatives that help create brighter futures. Through the Innovate Together Fund, we help organisations like Hair Together deliver programmes that break down barriers, foster confidence, and offer second-chance opportunities. Hair Together works in schools, prisons, and businesses, offering both skill-building and personal growth, and now its new facility in Ballymun aims to blend excellence in hairdressing with a clear social purpose.

Every client visit to the commercial salon directly contributes to education and wellbeing efforts within the academy, meaning local impact is woven into every service. Hair Together’s recent opening was a true community celebration, with Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam joining to mark the occasion. The team expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved, highlighting the power of collaboration, care, and community spirit.

Zurich Ireland’s partnership with Rethink Ireland amplifies the reach and effectiveness of social innovators. Rethink Ireland’s Innovate Together Fund focuses on four key areas: climate justice, education, economic empowerment, and health. The fund is supported by philanthropy—every euro raised is matched by the Irish Government, doubling the impact and enabling social enterprises to thrive.

Since 2016, Rethink Ireland has supported over 130 social innovations, helping 864 people facing disadvantage to progress into employment. Zurich Ireland is proud to play a role in these achievements, strengthening communities and supporting organisations dedicated to making a difference.

To find out more about Zurich Ireland’s support for Rethink Ireland’s projects and other initiatives, please visit our website.