A local charity providing vital support for early years learning in Copeland has seen its outdoor play area transformed, thanks to funding and volunteer support from Sellafield Ltd, Mitie and other suppliers.
The Howgill Family Centre works with families and children from 0 to five to provide care and curriculum support through their nurseries and community outreach services in Whitehaven and the surrounding areas.
Employing over 30 staff and several volunteers, their vision is to ensure that every child and family in Copeland is respected, included and resilient, and can seize opportunities to flourish.
The outdoor play area at Howgill’s Cleator Moor Centre had seen better days and was prone to flooding, so the charity made a request via Cumbria Exchange to see if anyone could help.
Cumbria Exchange is an online portal where charities and community groups can make requests for volunteers and be matched with businesses offering support.
Facilities management company Mitie responded quickly, developing a plan to meet the needs of the nursery and make the best use of the space.
Improvements totalling over £45,000 were delivered by Mitie for free to the centre, with support from their supply chain, and funding from Sellafield Ltd via its social impact multiplied programme of community investments.
Other suppliers involved in the work were Stobbarts Ltd, HCS Water Treatment Ltd, Decking Design Ltd, Rigby Taylor Ltd, AR & CA Fawcett, Thomas Graham and Future Office.
The result is a transformed outdoor space for children and their families that now boasts multiple sensory play areas.
Howgill nursery manager, Stephanie Carrick said: “It looks amazing! This work wouldn’t have been possible without this support, the donation of labour and materials has been a huge help and has been gratefully received by all at the centre.
“We’ve created a sustainable play area; the grounds no longer flood, the children have a covered play area and huge decking area as well as an all-weather grassed area to play on throughout the year.
“This work forms part of our ongoing commitment to support communities in West Cumbria; the support will help to make a positive impact on young children and their families in the area for years to come, enabling them to play outdoors in a safe, secure and fun environment.
The project was managed by two volunteers from Mitie; Dan Proctor, junior project manager, and Ian Hodgson, landscapes operational supervisor.
They said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for us. It was a voluntary role which has not only developed our skills, but it has also been extremely rewarding to see the project come to life and see how much the children are benefiting and will continue to do so for years to come”.
Tracey West, senior social impact manager for Sellafield Ltd said: “This project really highlights the scale of the difference that can be made by working together.
“Everyone has taken great pride in the work they have done, and Mitie have really encouraged their workforce and suppliers to get involved.
“Dan and Ian have shown how beneficial volunteering can be to the individual as well as the charity, I would encourage anyone to look on Cumbria Exchange for volunteering opportunities.”
