From left, Ruth Truelove from Stephens, Sarah McAllister from Hull FC, Anna Millar from KC and Tessa Wray from KC Cares

Volunteers from Hull FC, St Stephens Shopping Centre and KC have given facilities used by a local charity a new lease of life.

Four volunteers helped to decorate two waiting rooms, an office and a kitchen used by The Witness Service at Hull Crown Court which were badly in need of updating.

The Witness Service is a part of Victim Support which is a national charity and provides free and confidential help and support to victims and witnesses of crime, ( both Prosecution and defence) and other people affected, such as the families and friends of victims, who attend either the Crown Court or Magistrates Court.

The businesses who gave their employees time to volunteer are all members of Business in the Community’s (BITC) volunteering programme, Hull & Humber KC Cares.

In the last two years, over 400 volunteers have taken part in the Hull & Humber KC Cares programme, resulting in over 2500 hours of support for more than 60 community groups.

Brian Howe, the Crown Court Witness Service Manager said: “We support hundreds of people each year, helping and guiding them through the court process, which can be extremely stressful and daunting. Our safe and secure areas within the court provide a haven for our service users and the transformation has made the rooms more welcoming and up to date.

“I can’t believe it only took the volunteers one day to paint all the rooms. I’d like to thank the businesses who gave their employees the time to help us and of course the volunteers themselves.”

Hull & Humber KC Cares Business Manager, Tessa Wray said: “This collaborative challenge between Hull FC, St Stephens Shopping Centre and KC demonstrates perfectly that when businesses join their time and people resources together they can make a massive impact to a fantastic resource that works with so many members of the community.

“There are so many community organisations that need support, and we can help businesses engage with these organisations, and with other likeminded businesses, to help make a positive impact.”
 

To find out more about how to get involved in the Hull & Humber KC Cares programme please call Tessa Wray, Business Manager on (01482) 638610 or email:  tessa.wray@bitc.org.uk