After our Communications Team spent a day volunteering at our women’s refuge to rejuvenate the garden, customers asked if anything could be done to improve the unloved communal lounge.
The large lounge was stark and underused by the women and children living at the refuge. Colleagues were keen to make it more welcoming and comfortable for our customers, to encourage more social interaction and engagement during a difficult time in their lives.
We’re delighted to have secured £3,000 from the Travis Perkins Community Legacy Fund towards new furnishings, appliances and decor for the communal lounge. Our supplier PJ Arnold, who deliver our kitchen installation programme in the West Midlands, also offered to redecorate the lounge as part of their social value commitment to us.
The funding from Travis Perkins was used to purchase new sofas, soft furnishings, a TV, a microwave and a dining set. The team from PJ Arnold generously repainted the room in a pretty purple shade, creating a space that families will enjoy spending time in.
Patricia Wright, our Service Manager, said: “The transformation of our communal lounge area has made such a difference to our residents.
“Many of the women here arrive with their children under very difficult circumstances, and now they have a lovely inviting space where they can enjoy a cup of tea together while their children play.
“We are so grateful to Travis Perkins and PJ Arnold for all of their help.”
The funding was possible thanks to social value commitments by our supply chain partners.
Andy Arnold, Director at PJ Arnold, said: “It has been fantastic to be involved with such a rewarding project. Being able to transform the communal space really does highlight the importance of our social value commitments.
"We truly hope it brings a little joy into the families lives and look forward to working with GSA on similar projects in the future.”
