A West Cumbrian homeless support service has been given a £5,000 boost by Securitas.
The firm has donated the cash to Calderwood House in Egremont, plus loaned the organisation a minibus and provided residents with outdoor gear.
Calderwood House offers a safe place to live and helps homeless individuals build a better future through a 12-week recovery programme.
The hostel is run by Time to Change.
Shaun Kennedy, Securitas UK country president, grew up in Cumbria.
He said: “We can’t solve the big issues,” he says, “but by supporting Calderwood House we will help make life better for some.”
To date, Securitas has donated £5,000 to upgrade the furniture and computer equipment in a communal room within the hostel, and knowing that lack of transport is a big obstacle, has also lent the hostel a minibus for a year.
“Having the minibus means we can take residents – and also some ex-residents – on day trips and outward-bound activities in the Lake District” says Rachel Holliday, founder of Time to Change (West Cumbria) Project.
The minibus will also help residents fulfil the ‘Give back to the community’ element of the recovery programme, in which they participate in outdoor activities like gardening and litter-picking.
“It’s worthwhile work, but I know how cold Cumbria gets, so we’ve also provided some warm and high-vis outer clothing for them,” Shaun said.
Securitas UK will also be offering free access to some of its own development courses, including fire marshal, first aid and mental health first aid.
“The 12-week recovery programme encourages residents to realise their potential through training and education,” said Shaun. “So we’re delighted to be able to provide concrete ways to help them build their confidence and skills.”
Rachel added: “To be able to support people who have been in crisis back into the classroom is really invaluable.
“It’s clear that Shaun still feels a real connection to the people in this region and it’s really touching that, with his encouragement, such a large company has been able and willing to help us so significantly. I really hope other organisations will follow his lead.”
