Volunteers Transform Warrington Community Centre in Major Renovation
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and dedication, a team of volunteers from Sellafield Ltd’s Warrington offices, along with representatives from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Nuclear Waste Services, and the local supply chain, came together to revamp The Old School in Warrington. This initiative was part of the Sellafield Ltd Hinton House building’s 40th-anniversary celebrations, marking a significant milestone for the company.
The Old School, a not-for-profit charity based in Fairfield, aims to support, develop, and empower individuals through creative learning and community arts. It provides affordable and safe spaces for community groups to engage in activities that promote positive health and well-being, informed lifestyle choices, and sustainable living. The transformation of this community center by over 70 volunteers, who are more accustomed to working on complex nuclear projects, showcases the power of collaboration and community involvement in creating positive change.
Impressive Renovation Efforts and Impact
During the renovation project, volunteers undertook a variety of tasks both indoors and outdoors to enhance the facilities at The Old School. These tasks included painting, constructing new shelving and storage units, building large planters, creating corner seating areas, and installing a new picket fence. Additionally, volunteers engaged in plumbing work, gardening, painting a mural, constructing bug hotels, installing solar lighting, crafting clay letters for room signage, and cleaning windows. The collective efforts of the volunteers not only revitalized the physical space of the community center but also fostered a sense of pride and unity among those involved in the project.
Warrington council leader Hans Mundry commended the collaboration between Sellafield Ltd and the local community in supporting The Old School. He emphasized the positive impact of major employers and their supply chains coming together to assist local charities and expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic volunteers dedicating their time and skills to the renovation project. The involvement of Sellafield Ltd employees and their commitment to community service reflect a longstanding tradition of corporate social responsibility within the company.
Emma Brown, the manager of The Old School, highlighted the importance of the renovation in enhancing the support provided to various groups, including Creating Adventures, Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS), HomeStart Warrington, and Warrington Visually Impaired People. The improved environment at the community center thanks to the renovation work will undoubtedly benefit both the individuals being supported and the dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and effort to making a difference in the community. Brown expressed gratitude for the generosity and hard work of the volunteers, noting that such initiatives would not be possible without their assistance.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Sellafield Ltd, a company employing over 1,200 individuals in Warrington across various roles such as project management, engineering, and design, has a history of actively supporting local communities. Through initiatives like the community challenge at The Old School, Sellafield Ltd and its supply chain partners demonstrate a commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on the areas where they operate. Ian Wood, general counsel at Sellafield Ltd, emphasized the value of the community challenge in providing teams and supply chain members with a unique opportunity to collaborate in a different setting while benefiting the community.
The community challenge at The Old School not only revitalized the physical space of the community center but also strengthened the bonds within the community and showcased the power of collective action in creating meaningful change. The dedication and hard work of the volunteers from Sellafield Ltd and its partner organizations exemplify the spirit of community engagement and corporate social responsibility, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference in their local communities. This transformative project serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals and companies come together with a shared goal of supporting and empowering those in need.