Securitas UK helping Cumbria’s homeless build a better future
• Inspired by raising £15,000 to help the homeless in Birmingham, Securitas is extending its support to a hostel for the homeless in Cumbria.
• Calderwood House gives priority to ex-service men and women and with several ex-military employees, Securitas recognises both the impact of leaving the forces and the great potential these individuals offer.
• Securitas has made a £5000 donation, loaned a minibus and provided residents with warm outdoor gear. More support is in the pipeline.
Calderwood House in Cumbria 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 (a not-for profit Community Interest organisation), and its aims and approach reflect two of Securitas key values—integrity and helpfulness.
Shaun Kennedy, Securitas UK Country President, grew up in Cumbria and is aware that many of the region’s local communities have serious socio-economic problems. “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 the ‘Hub’, 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,” Kennedy says.
Securitas UK will also be offering free access to some of its own development courses, including Fire Marshall, First Aid and Mental Health First Aid. “The 12-week recovery programme encourages residents to realise their potential through training and education,” says Kennedy, “So we’re delighted to be able to provide concrete ways to help them build their confidence and skills.”
“To be able to support people who have been in crisis back into the classroom is really invaluable,” agrees Holliday, adding, “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.”
Securitas are calling on local communities and businesses in Cumbria, and across the UK, to listen to Ascending, Securitas’ charity single and make a donation to support the fantastic work of the team at Calderwood House.
Contact
Tracey Hutson – Head of Marketing and Communications
Make a donation
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/securitas-song-for-the-homeless
Securitas UK news story
https://www.securitas.uk.com/news/helping-calderwood-house