UCB helping vulnerable Australians

UCB Community Health Fund

The UCB Community Health Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, is an independent and pluralist foundation for the public interest which aims to address health disparities amongst vulnerable populations.

In accordance with the WHO’s philosophy on healthcare, UCB adopts a holistic view on health, encompassing physical, mental and social wellbeing. Through the Community Health Fund, UCB supports vulnerable people facing economic and health disadvantage across countries where UCB has offices. As a global fund it helps racial and ethnic minorities, children, elderly, socio-economically disadvantaged, and other vulnerable people. Members of these vulnerable populations often have health conditions that are exacerbated by inadequate access to healthcare resources. As a purpose-driven company, we believe it is important to support our communities and care for those most in need.

The UCB Community publishes calls for projects that address the needs of specific vulnerable groups. An independent selection committee assists in the selection of projects and awards funding. The selection committee for each call is selected by a management committee, which is comprised of representatives from UCB, King Baudouin Foundation, and an independent chair supported by a general secretary.

Donation to Black Dog Institute Australia

Through the UCB Community Health Fund, a grant was provided to the Black Dog Institute to provide a preventative program to Build Educators’ skills in Adolescent Mental health (BEAM) in Australia. 

BEAM is an accredited course that upskills secondary school year advisors to identify and support students with mental health issues. With 5 self-directed online modules and in-person ‘peer coaching’, BEAM addresses the rising rates of mental illness in Australian schools post-COVID and lack of training for staff to respond. During 2024 and 2025, the training was rolled out to 150 year advisors from 28 disadvantaged schools, benefitting an estimated 10,500 youth aged 15-18 across their secondary schooling.