We now have a blue wall!

Bell Group, Letchworth, their client Guinness Partnership and local support group Thames Reach, kindly volunteered their time and skills to repair and redecorate our youth centre.

The team from Bell Group in Letchworth were introduced to Thames Reach through the Guinness Partnership team. Together they agreed to carry our 3 days of pre-paint repairs and redecorations to the entrance hall, toilet facilities and the main hall.

Both Bell Group team and Thames Reach were given nominated roles to deliver to help improve their skills. Paul Berman, Barry Walker and Cassie Townsend – the three trainees from Thames Reach were paired up with Bell Groups Alec Turner, acting site foreman, Charles Turner, painter / decorator along with Reece Corsbie-Smith, 1st year painting and decorating apprentice for the duration.

The project was supported by our very own Theo Thomas, CYP representative, who was on hand every day and even provided the team with light refreshments to keep the energy levels up! As well as Rosanna Giarraputo, Bell Group CEC, who was also at the centre to make sure that all the participants were kitted up with the right tools, overalls and materials.

Rosanna held a mini presentation at the centre for all to recognise the efforts of the trainees. Each candidate received a certificate of participation a reference form and letter as well as a goody bag. Items for the goody bag, provided by Bell Group, included roller kits and brushes. Peter Howard of AkzoNobel also attended which gave the team an opportunity to thank Dulux for providing the paint for the job free of charge.

Theo: “The team from Bell Group, Letchworth together with the Thames Reach Trainees worked really efficiently, they all did an amazing job. Thank you all so much for brightening up our youth centre!”

Brian Hamlin, Community Partnerships Manager, The Guinness Partnership: “Great effort. A big ‘thank you’ to Bell Group, Letchworth and the trainees from Thames Reach.”

Barry Walker, Trainee, Thames Reach: “It was a great chance to use my skills to do something for the community. Really appreciated the certificate and brushes that were given to us at the end by Bell Group. I would be happy to do this again.”

Graham Pringle, Branch Manager Bell Group: ‘We always try and support local groups, our relationship with Guinness is one of trust and they know they can rely on us to step up and help where we can. This has been a fantastic project and the team have really enjoyed giving something back’.