Young mums and babies will be warm and well-looked-after this Christmas thanks to a generous, newly-formed partnership.

The Number Eight Tamworth charity, which provides supportive accommodation for young mums and their babies and young pregnant mums-to-be, was put in touch with regeneration and services provider, EQUANS, via Tamworth Borough Council (TBC).

EQUANS – the brand new name for ENGIE’s regeneration and services-led activity, quickly sprang into action to tick off a repairs ‘wish list’ and to provide seasonal comforts.

The work, carried out at no cost to the charity, has so far included fixing window catches, fitting shower screens, checking and fixing fire door closers and fitting an emergency stop tap. Outbuildings and outdoor areas have also been made to feel safer through a series of repairs and new lighting has been installed.

Most importantly the baby play-room was upgraded to make it safe and secure and extra storage was created by fixing shelves to an attic room.

EQUANS, has committed to support the Number Eight Tamworth charity for the next eight years – a timeframe that is in line with the business’s contract to deliver repairs and maintenance services on behalf of TBC.

James Lindsay, Operations Manager at EQUANS, said: “Especially at this time of year, all children deserve a warm and safe environment to call home and this is just one of the reasons we chose to support Number Eight.

“Our commitment to support the charity on a long-term basis reflects our drive to create a long-lasting legacy and make a real, tangible difference to the young lives at Number Eight and give them hope for years to come.”   

In partnership with the council, subcontractors and suppliers, EQUANS has also helped to provide hundreds of pounds worth of seasonal hampers donated to Number Eight to be enjoyed as part of festive celebrations.

EQUANS will continue its support by undertaking annual maintenance work for Number Eight including minor repairs and boiler servicing. Regular visits will make sure the facilities are in good check and EQUANS staff will also use allocated volunteering days to support the charity with ad-hoc tasks.

Dawn Candy, a Director at Number Eight, said: “The EQUANS team has been so thoughtful and mindful of our residents and them stepping in has been like weight off our shoulders. To know that simple things such as minor repairs and heating and hot water can be relied on is a real relief.

“Their support will mean that we can pump any money we do raise towards directly benefitting the families we support – it is nice to give our residents a treat! The work that has been done is already making a big difference to our surroundings.”

EQUANS was appointed by Tamworth Borough Council in 2020 to provide a planned, responsive repairs and maintenance service to Council homes across the borough. The business’s staff have dedicated over 200 hours to volunteering across numerous charities and good causes in Tamworth alone in 2021.

Elsewhere in the borough EQUANS has also completely refurbished the kitchen area at Bancroft Community Centre – including putting in place fixtures and fittings and remodelling the area through the use of a stud wall – all the work has been completed using EQUANS volunteers’ time.

Cllr Alex Farrell, Tamworth Borough Council’s cabinet member for homelessness prevention and social housing, said: “Providing additional value to the community was a key part of us awarding this long-term contract for housing repairs and we’re delighted that the partnership is already helping some of the town’s wonderful charities. Number Eight is a really amazing and worthwhile cause and we’re glad to see it will benefit from this partnership for years to come.

Photo caption: Dawn Candy, Director at Number Eight Tamworth, Samantha Francis – EQUANS planer and volunteer and Laura Joyce – EQUANS planner and volunteer.

Tamworth Borough Council Marmion House,  Lichfield Street, Tamworth,  Staffordshire, B79 7BZ   Tel: 01827 709709   Email: enquiries@tamworth.gov.uk

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