St Basils has 4 accommodation projects within the Bromsgrove and Redditch area with 67 housing units including a 15-bed mother and baby unit.
The young people living in these units have all been homeless or are at risk of homelessness.
UKE & our supply-chain have supported St Basils through many donations over the years, but this year we wanted to do something fun and memorable for the young people themselves.
We asked Maria the scheme manager at Redditch what we could do that would really make a difference to these young people. This is what she said:
“When our youngsters first move into St Basils, it can be a very isolating and lonely experience which often affects their confidence and mental well-being.
What we would really like to do is treat some of them to a day out at the coast.
Many of our young people have never travelled outside of the area where they live and they can’t afford to fund a day out.It would be amazing if UK Electrical could help to fund an amazing day out for our young people and families so that they can build happy, positive memories, socialise, relax, and enjoy”
UKE therefore arranged a coach and took 35 of the young people including mums and toddlers to Weston-super-Mare for the day.
Despite the Great British weather everyone had a great time, taking part in all the classic seaside activities, beach, pier, funfair and fish and chips.
We were incredibly proud to see the positive impact this day had on the young people. The day was filled with smiles and laughter, and it was a reminder of the difference small acts of kindness can make in young lives.
One young person commented:
“I really enjoyed my day in Weston-super-Mare. The weather wasn’t perfect, but we made the most of it! The pier was fun, I really enjoyed my fish and chips, and the rides were fantastic. Cheers UKE for making it happen.”
For one young parent, this trip was extra special, as they shared:
“It was such a great opportunity to bring my little-one to the seaside. He had a great day filled with rides, chips, and even got to play in the sand. Thanks to the staff and everyone involved.”
Thank You to Everyone Involved
This fantastic day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many people. UKE and our supply-chain were honoured to cover the costs, but it was the dedicated teams at both UKE and St Basils who made sure the trip ran smoothly. Their hard work and commitment are what made this day so memorable.
Debbie Fellows, Operations Director at UK Electrical said;
“What is wonderful about this, is that when Maria from the Redditch scheme mentioned it to me, I don’t think she ever dreamed it would become a reality.
The donations which St Basils typically receive go towards the basics of helping the young people to make-ends-meet.
It was great to go beyond every-day needs and to give the young people a break to enjoy themselves, let their hair down and have fun.
UKE are immensely proud to have been a part of this initiative and look forward to many more opportunities to work with St Basils and other local partners to support the young people who need it most.”
Special thanks to: Avalon, KDS, Eaton, Luceco and James Bird.
