Volunteers brighten Barnardo’s scheme

Published by Lucy Bradwell for The Regenda Group in Housing and also in Communities

Vulnerable youngsters at Rachel House, Bury, received a welcome boost after a Manchester based business gave the house a complete makeover in just one day as part of a team building exercise.

The supported housing scheme which is owned by The Regenda Group and managed by Barnardo’s, provides accommodation for 16 to 21 year olds who have been homeless, providing them with the support and skills that they need to live independently.

56 volunteers from Brand Addition, a supplier of branded merchandise, transformed the six flats within the homelessness project in less than 24 hours.  Sitting rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and hallways were all given a thorough make over.  The dedicated staff also secured donations of furniture from other local companies which will be delivered to the flats later this month.

Tracey Burke, a project worker at the scheme said, “Our young people have really valued the makeover.  One said that she thought it was so nice of people to volunteer their time, and another has said that it feels like a fresh start for her.  The makeover has made the young people recognize that other people believe that they can fulfil their potential and they feel encouraged by this.”

David Landes, European Sales and Marketing Director from Brand Addition added, “We support a number of charities with financial donations however this project is different.  It has given us the chance to be far more proactive, particularly in these more challenging times, where we know organisations like Barnardo’s find it harder and harder to get support from the wider community.  Our sales team has shown a real passion for this project, which has been ideal for our own team building objectives.  The team has been thrilled to be involved in something as worthwhile as this.”

Regenda works to make the North West a better place to live.