This summer, we’ve been working hard to improve and bring a touch of green to our community spaces, to provide a more homely and comfortable environment especially in and around our companion living areas.
Our long-term supporter CRASH organised the donation of some beautiful new planters on site, created by Aimbec Carpentry. The planters are on wheels so they can be moved around, and they have been painted in waterproof outdoor paint by volunteers from Beale and Co (pictured above), to help them stay looking great for a long time. Additional beautiful wooden planters were also created for us by students studying Carpentry at East Sussex College (Ore Valley Campus).
This summer, students on the foundation course in Bricklaying at East Sussex College (Ore Valley campus) also built a permanent brick barbeque for companions to cook on during summer months. Thanks to a legacy donation from a long time supporter Mrs Pink, we also have a new wildlife garden which visitors can enjoy in front of the customer parking. We have ongoing plans to keep clearing and developing our site over the coming months.
CRASH volunteer Anna said: “I wanted to volunteer with CRASH to get involved with one of their brilliant projects they do to assist homeless charities around the UK. It was great to meet all the lovely people at Emmaus Hastings and Rother and contribute a small part to the amazing work they are doing to build a community to provide homes and work for their formerly homeless residents.”
Emmaus Hastings & Rother companion Matthew* has worked hard to clear the area outside the companion’s living quarters, and has prepared and filled the planters. He said:
“Many thanks for your funding and help. You have aided to transform a once purely industrial site into a more homely environment. I know all of us, as a community and also the staff, volunteers and all who shop here, have noticed a huge improvement. I am sure I can speak for all the above when I say a massive thank you to all involved.”
We are very grateful to all of our supporters who are helping with our ongoing work to make our community a homely and welcoming place for companions and visitors. Thanks especially go to CRASH, Dulux, Paul at Aimbec Carpentry, East Sussex College, and volunteers from Beale and Co. Anna, Andrew and Ben. Why not take a look at the improvements on your next visit!
*Matthew’s name has been changed.