charity

STORY HOMES AND STORY CONTRACTING DONATE OVER £28,000 TO MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY MIND

Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for

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Unwanted tools to help change lives in Africa

Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called

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Matt’s #BravetheShave Challenge for NHS!

Matthew Mackintosh, Managing Director of family business AM Surveying & Block Management is raising money to support the NHS by ‘Braving the Shave’.    AM Surveying & Block Management was started in the 1970’s and provides block management, building surveying and property maintenance services to 1,500 properties throughout London &

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Design a Perfect Sunroom: Tips and Tricks

Do you already have a porch basking in sun and begging to become a sunroom? Or you wish to have an additional room where you will greet the sun? In the latter case, you would have more leeway when it comes to the size of the room, as least as

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

charity

Glencar partners with Leicester Riders as official game night sponsor for Sky Sports encounter against Bristol Flyers

The game will be the first time the reigning Playoff champions have featured on Sky Sports since coverage got underway last week. The club are delighted to welcome Glencar Construction to the Riders family as an official game night sponsor for the first game on the channel. “The Leicester Riders young player pathway and community development programme has contributed massively, not only to the success of the team on the court, but also off the court in terms of providing young people with opportunities to grow, develop and be part of a success story” commented Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy. “Basketball is an integral part of community sport and actually one of most played sports in the U.K. amongst young people. Glencar are very happy to partner with one of The British Basketball League’s leading teams who share our core values in investing in young people, education and community development.” Glencar Construction is a contractor specialising in the creation of high-quality turnkey facilities in partnership with some of the UK’s leading developers, occupiers, retailers and logistics businesses. “We are extremely excited to be working alongside a company such as Glencar which clearly shares our core values and sense of community,” said Leicester Riders’ Managing Director Russell Levenston. “Like with our recent success on court it’s a chance for us to help celebrate Glencar’s recent successes off court, after being awarded top spot in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table.” Riders have made a great start to the 2020-21 season having qualified for the BBL Cup quarter final against Glasgow Rocks and opened their league campaign with a victory over Surrey Scorchers. Jamell Anderson, who was a standout versus Surrey added: “Leicester is a club that’s synonymous with leading the way in British Basketball as well as its work in local community so the partnership with Glencar is a great fit. “Everyone is looking forward to playing back in front of the Sky Sports cameras.” Sky Sports have also confirmed that Leicester will also feature on the channel on Friday 26 February when they host Worcester Wolves.

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STORY HOMES AND STORY CONTRACTING DONATE OVER £28,000 TO MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY MIND

Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for the charity – from sporting challenges and bake sales, to raffles and pub quizzes. Following the sizable monetary donation, the businesses – which were both founded by Fred Story – are delighted to announce that they will extend their charity partnership with Mind, dedicating colleague and company fundraising to the mental health organisation. Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and the funds raised by Homes and Contracting will be divided between the local Mind branches in each of the companies’ operational regions – including Carlisle, Newcastle, Lancashire, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Scotland. Fred Story, founder of both businesses, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Mind. Working within construction, we understand the importance of improving mental health and we are dedicated to ensuring that nobody suffers in silence. There can be a certain stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, especially in young men, but it is a subject that we need to continue to talk about and ensure that we have the right support networks in place across our two businesses.” Tara Quinn, CEO of Carlisle Eden Mind, said: “Once again, Carlisle Eden Mind are excited to have the support of Story Homes and Story Contracting particularly in a time of great uncertainty. We would like to thank both organisations for their much-needed contributions and every penny, as always, will go towards those we are here to help and support.” Tommy McIlravey, CEO of Lancashire Mind, said: “On behalf of everyone at Lancashire Mind, and those who access our services, I would like to thank Story Homes and Story Contracting for this generous donation and their ongoing support. Given the times we find ourselves in donations such as this mean more than ever to Lancashire Mind and enable us to continue to work with individuals and communities across the county.” These are just a few of the worrying statistics about mental health within the construction industry: A construction worker is more likely to die of suicide than a fall from height Males working in skilled trades have a 35% higher risk of suicide than the male national average Every year over 400 construction workers commit suicide The risk of suicide among male labourers is three times higher than the male national average 55% of workers have experienced mental health issues in their lives Almost half of women working in the sector are dealing with poor mental health

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Employee-owned Packaging business Kite Packaging, donates £9,000 to local charities

The employee-owned business has 7 Regional Distribution Centres located around the UK, an environmental business and a leading B2B ecommerce website both based in the Midlands. Each year they individually nominate a charity of their choice to donate £1,000 to and support throughout the year. The charities that have received a £1,000 donation from Kite for 2020 are: Zoë’s Place: A baby hospice providing palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants LOROS Hospice: Providing free, high-quality, compassionate care and support to terminally ill adult patients, their family, and carers Rotherham Rise: Providing help and support for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual exploitation Children with Cancer UK: Leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer Anxious Minds: Support for mental health across the North East Family Food Bank: Helping support families and reduce the impact of child poverty Macmillan Cancer Support: From the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, they are right there with you, offering emotional, physical, and financial support Age UK: Helping older people when they need them the most SMASH: Helping young people who are not thriving to improve their levels of well-being For more information on Kite Packaging please visit kitepackaging.co.uk

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Unwanted tools to help change lives in Africa

Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called Work Aid, which will now refurbish the donated items before sending them to Africa. The tools will be used by young people so they can learn construction skills and help lift themselves and their families out of poverty. For the past 13 years the charity has provided vocational learning opportunities at Kira Farm Development Centre in Uganda where young people can spend a year acquiring life-changing skills. This includes training in carpentry and building techniques, with 98% of the graduates going on to full-time employment or starting their own business. Phil Pugsley, Chief Executive at Amigos, said: “Winston Churchill once said, ‘give us the tools, and we will finish the job’. It’s no good Amigos training a young Ugandan in carpentry and building if they have no access to the tools needed to put their newfound skills into practice. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has gone above and beyond by turning out their sheds and garages, and to RGB for once again allowing their outlets to be collection centres. Together, we are equipping precious young people with the skills and the tools to transform their lives – thank you.” Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB, added: “We launched our appeal before lockdown was put in place, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring it to a successful close. Amigos does fantastic work in helping young people learn a trade and gain employment and this is the second time we’ve worked with the charity. By simply donating some unused tools, the kind-hearted people in our area have really helped to change the lives of young people in Africa.”

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Kite Packaging donate 5,000 face visors and paper bags to 108 different organisations working and supporting the front line

The employee-owned packaging company recently announced the design and supply of a new protective face visor for the NHS which saw them supplying several hospital trusts in the West Midlands. The company has also offered further support to organisations that had limited access to PPE yet were supporting front line workers. Across their 7 regional distribution centres in the UK, based in, Gateshead, Rotherham, Coventry, Swindon, Letchworth and Portsmouth, Kite has donated 5,000 protective face visors to a total of 108 separate organisations including care homes, hospices, charities, nursing homes, pharmacies, police stations, foodbanks and NHS workers based in the community. Several of the Kite Team went that extra mile and personally delivered many of the donated visors, observing strict social distancing of course, to ensure that the organisations could have access to vital PPE. To find out more about Kite Packaging please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.

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Matt’s #BravetheShave Challenge for NHS!

Matthew Mackintosh, Managing Director of family business AM Surveying & Block Management is raising money to support the NHS by ‘Braving the Shave’.    AM Surveying & Block Management was started in the 1970’s and provides block management, building surveying and property maintenance services to 1,500 properties throughout London & the South East.   During the current difficult times caused by COVID19 Matt would like to use the unusual circumstances many folks currently find themselves in – not being able to attend a barbers/hairdresser! – and have his wife shave his head in the name of raising funds for the NHS.   Matt has been inspired by fundraisers such as Capt. Thomas More, NHS staff and key workers and would like to do his bit! As part of Matt’s household, Matt’s wife Paris is the only person in the world currently permitted under lockdown restrictions to come within 2m of his head, and without any haircutting experience whatsoever Matt has opted just to go for the full chop!   Matt’s fundraising campaign started on 27th April, he would like to raise £1,000.00 for the NHS before the end of May 2020. Matt’s wife will be taking the clippers to his head on 11th May 2020 and will be posting results online.    Matt says “While my head shaving is by no means big news, helping out the NHS in a time of crisis certainly is! If able, please please donate, every little helps make a massive difference and after all, we’re all in it together!” To see more on Matt’s campaign and to donate please click here.

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Construction leaders unite to show their gratitude to front line NHS workers.

Keen to show their thanks for all the tremendous efforts of NHS front line workers during these unprecedented times, four construction specialists have united in a bid to raise as much money as possible, expressing their appreciation towards those risking their lives, to save ours. The Mick George Group, MJS construction (March) Ltd, MJS Projects (March) Ltd and Morgan Sindall Group plc. have combined in creating a crowdfunding page where willing donors can contribute to this fantastic cause – https://www.gofundme.com/f/thank-the-frontline-nhs-workers.  To kick start the proceeds, the Mick George Group on behalf of employees and MJS have each gifted £10,000 to show their gratitude to all those courageous staff doing their part to improve the current conditions relating to Covid-19. Together, the efforts of the respective companies will present NHS workers at four specified hospitals with funds to benefit from a wide range of ‘Thank You’ activities; including a family meal, spa day, afternoon tea, red letter activities, plus much more. Two of the identified hospitals to date, include Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Michael George, Managing Director at the Mick George Group commented: ‘’These are unprecedented times, the likes of which I hope we never experience again. The impact is being felt worldwide, creating different challenges for everyone. Words cannot justify the genuine appreciation for our NHS staff and other Key Workers throughout the country that are doing all they can to protect us in such extreme conditions. It is pleasing to see that this is being recognised and those in a position to do so, are contributing to offer some reward to these individuals. The Construction Industry has undoubtedly felt the effect of Covid-19, yet, four separate companies have combined to do their part. We would urge others to follow suit, where feasible. A little contribution can go a long way.’’

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Kite Packaging’s Midlands Regional Distribution donates £1000 to Macmillan Cancer Support

Kite Packaging’s Midlands based Regional Distribution Centre has chosen Macmillan Cancer Support as their nominated charity for the year, a charity that provides an incredible support service for all those with a cancer diagnosis.    Managing Partner for Kite’s Midlands RDC, Justin Filby, visited Macmillan Cancer Support team last month with a Kite colleague, where they met with Pauline Lewis a Senior Fundraiser for the charity, The Kite team were proud to pledge their support and hand over a cheque for £1,000.   The donation will help provide the funding for a Macmillan nurse for almost one week in support of care for people living with cancer, as well as ensuring their families receive essential, medical, practical and emotional support. A member of Kite’s Midlands team has experienced the incredible support from Macmillan first hand with a loved one being given emotional and practical support throughout a very difficult time. Donating to Macmillan Cancer Support is a very fitting cause for Kite Midlands team. If you would like to make a donation towards Macmillan Cancer Support or to find out more about the charity, visit https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

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‘MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU’ CHANDLERS BUILDING SUPPLIES UNVEILS ‘PIMPED UP’ THREE-WHEELER FOR CHARITY

Chandlers Building Supplies unveils a fully ‘pimped up’ and refurbished Reliant Rialto for its entry into the Pavestone Rally 2019. The family-owned builders merchants bought the 1986 classic three-wheeled car on Ebay for £200. It has been at Hastings College’s Automotive Training Centre since March, where 43 students worked on rebuilding the engine and over hauled the bodywork to create a daring Darth Vader-mobile. Rally driver, Trevor Mudd from Chandlers Building Supplies is taking the wheel for his fourth consecutive year competing in the event.  Trevor said: “The enthusiasm and marvelous engineering work done by the students on the car is exceptional. This is an amazing piece of workmanship. I can’t wait to rev her up! Part of this project’s challenge was to also allow the car to be easily adapted to a new creative theme every day of the rally, with themes including ‘Underground’, ‘Superheroes’ and ‘Back from the Dead’. Trevor, who is being accompanied by Sam Hanks of Cembrit, said “This challenge is our most daring yet and we are delighted to have had such young talent supporting us. The input by the students will make a huge difference in getting us across the finish line, raising lots of money for charity and hopefully bring the trophy home. We aim to make the students proud!” Jamie Nash, 17, a student on the project, said: “I loved working on the car and thinking about how each element could be achieved. We even made a working prototype of a luminous green water jet cannon and a working light sabre for the Darth Vader theme.” Fellow student, Bailey Reed Simmonds, 16, said: “This was fantastic. I’d love to be going on the Rally myself. It was a great team effort by everyone here at the college – challenging and great fun.” Sue McKinney, head of marketing at Chandlers Building Supplies said: “We have a great relationship with the college due to our existing in-house apprenticeship schemes and, as a business, we are always keen to support young apprentices in every vocational field. Taking part in the rally is just one element of our business’s commitment to supporting charitable initiatives.” Chandlers Building Supplies has entered the Pavestone Rally for the last three years, finishing in first place in 2016, and second in 2017 and 2018 – the team also won Best Dressed Car and Best Dressed Team last year. 

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Design a Perfect Sunroom: Tips and Tricks

Do you already have a porch basking in sun and begging to become a sunroom? Or you wish to have an additional room where you will greet the sun? In the latter case, you would have more leeway when it comes to the size of the room, as least as much as the free space allows you to. The first step, however, is to decide the purpose of the sunroom, since that will give you an idea about the necessary budget and the interior design. And when it comes to building it, the best option is to hire professionals. As an oasis of peace If you wish to use this room for leisure, the essential element to have in mind is the furniture. It needs to be comfortable and inviting so you could enjoy your morning coffee before work as well as reading a book on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Think in terms of reclining chairs, soft sofas and many pillows while the sun gently touches your skin. Also, colors are not a feature to be disregarded: they should be relaxing to the eye, so make sure you avoid bright colors. Even if the space intended for your sunroom isn’t too big, don’t worry since a leisure-themed room doesn’t have to be spacious, it only needs to be comfortable. As a space for fun If the sole purpose of this room is entertainment, size does play an important role, depending on the things you wish to place in it. For example, a pool table might take up a lot of space, so be mindful where you hang darts and where you put the bar. Yes, you can even install a bar and anything you, your friends and family find entertaining. If you intend to organize parties there, besides notifying neighbors, make sure that the sound insulation is adequate so you can enjoy it without worrying whether you are keeping somebody awake with loud music. As for the furniture, you might want to throw in a few bean bags for relaxing between darts rounds and high stools to go with your bar. As a setting for a home office If you wish to have a pleasant place to work, then a sunroom can be the perfect space to both calm you and inspire you since one of the perks of working from home is the atmosphere which allows you to sit in your pajamas. So, for example, you can fit in more tables of different sizes to have more nooks to work from and so that other people can keep you company. However, if you feel you cannot concentrate at some point, or you wish for more privacy, shutters could be the optimal solution for you. When installing them, you can ask experts for a recommendation for the right material so that you can still benefit from the sun while you maintain a peaceful working atmosphere. As a place for hobbies Are you an artistic soul who enjoys numerous hobbies so you finally decided to find a place to practice them? In that case, the space you need solely depends on your interests, but unless you are into carpentry, for which a workshop is a better choice, you probably don’t need a space that is too big. Regardless of the type of art you practice, natural light will allow you to see the colors and materials as they are, not to mention that the view will probably be all the inspiration you need. When it comes to the interior, you will probably need a large table so that you have a nice, clean surface for your crafting. As for the furniture, it would also be good to have a sofa to relax on while you look for inspiration. Sunlight has been known to be beneficial for a long time: it triggers the release of serotonin which people call ‘the happiness hormone’. Sunlight boosts your mood and helps you feel calm, so why not build a room entirely devoted to it? If you have space and some budget, you can start by thinking about what you would use it for. It is mostly a place for leisure, but you could also benefit from that sun-induced serenity by making the sunroom your office. But if you decide to throw a party there, a matinee combined with all the colors of the sunset will entrance your guests. Whatever the size and the purpose of the room, you are bound to spend many sunny and blissful afternoons there.

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