Staff members at an online flooring retailer based in Leicestershire did some DIY tasks of their own for the benefit of young residents at a local homeless charity.
Through its Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) programme, UK Flooring Direct employees made a visit to Hinckley Homeless Group, which provides accommodation and other forms of support for homeless young people between the ages of 16 and 25.
Ashleigh McKenna, HR advisor, and Maya Choto, buying admin assistant, did a four-and-a-half-hour decorating stint with Louise Adams and the Hinckley Homeless team in the corridors and stairways of Lawrence House, which is used by residents throughout the day and into the night.
The day was a success, with both important tasks completed during their time at Hinckley Homeless, which is based in Wood Street in Hinckley.
The Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) programme ensures every member of the UK Flooring Direct team is given a fully-paid day to offer their services to a charity or good cause.
As part of the scheme, UK Flooring Direct has partnered with Hinckley Homeless Group, RSPCA Coventry and District Branch, Shine A Light and Make Good Grow.
Ashleigh McKenna, HR advisor at UK Flooring Direct, said: “Both myself and Maya had a really enjoyable time joining Louise and the Hinckley Homeless staff for the day, and are pleased that our hard work has gone a long way towards the upkeep of Lawrence House, a place that provides shelter and warmth for young people throughout the year.
“We were kept really busy, and were motivated to do something good for fellow members of the Hinckley community who are facing challenging circumstances and to also support Hinckley Homeless and their incredible work in the local area.
“Through our ESV programme, we are keen to support all four other organisations that we’re working with as part of the scheme as much as we can, and are already discussing new opportunities for the coming months.”
Louise Adams, project manager at Hinckley Homeless Group, said: “Given our day-to-day responsibilities to our residents, it’s easy for practical DIY tasks to be forgotten about, so we’re grateful to both Ashleigh and Maya for helping us with some much-needed renovation work.
“I was really impressed by the speed in which they worked and their commitment to the jobs at hand – which even included Maya getting covered in paint at one point!
“Some of our previous residents and the 12 young people that are currently in our care are understandably nervous and anxious so we really want to make Lawrence House as homely and friendly as possible.
“The positive and helpful relationship we are developing with UK Flooring Direct is encouraging, and we are keen to collaborate again and support our residents in any way we can as we all start to turn our attention towards the autumn.”
Hinckley Homeless Group welcome young people from across the Hinckley and Bosworth area, as well as individuals in need from Nuneaton, Blaby and areas of north west Leicestershire.
To find out more about Hinckley Homeless Group, including how to donate and the application process for a place at Lawrence House, visit www.hinckleyhomeless.com.
