Hankinson work with suppliers and Unitas to help Multiple Abilities Charity realise their dream of reopening in July. Back

Date published: June 11, 2021

Hankinson are working on behalf of Unitas on their Thermal Improvement Scheme in Bentilee, Stoke on Trent.

We continue to support the community we work in, this time offering social impact to people of all ages with disabilities.

Hankinson were introduced to Fenton Community Centre, in Stoke by Unitas.

The centre is run by the Multiple Abilities Club, who are a charity which offer a tremendous amount of support and activities for people with disabilities and disadvantages.

The charity took over the lease back in 2019 and the centre was in need of improvements prior to them opening. Due to COVID-19, they were unable to carry out the works needed, and the opening date was pushed back.

Working in close partnership with Stoke-on-Trent College, Unitas and our suppliers Johnstones Paint and HSS Hire, Hankinson offered to paint the main hall and front room so that they could open the centre in July, as part of our social value giving back. HSS Hire kindly donated the scaffolding for the duration and Johnstones Paint donated the paint.

On top of carrying out the works, Hankinson offered two people who attend the Charity, Peter, and Mark the opportunity to help us paint and gain work experience and key skills.

Also, Beth and Leah who attend Stoke on Trent college, both level 1 students in painting and decorating, were offered five days’ work experience.

Paul who helps run the charity said: We are absolutely over the moon with all the help from Hankinson and Unitas, and with their help and support we are now able to open in July and we cannot wait! The two contractors offer heaps of support through social value in the local community, and we are delighted they chose to help us! Thank you once again”

Jeremy Hankinson, Head of Social Value at Hankinson said this: “ We have worked closely with Unitas on a number of great social value initiatives over the last year or so and this is a real heart-warming story – Hankinson are an equal opportunity employer and this is something which is part of our values and it was great to see Peter and Mark who attend the charity provided with work experience and provided with valuable skills – we are absolutely delighted that the charity are now able to open”

Rachel Forster, Corporate Social Responsibility Co-ordinator at Unitas said “Unitas and Hankinson have worked in partnership to help the Multiple Abilities Club so that they can re-open and provide much needed service to their 3,000 members with disabilities. I am so proud of the work that has been carried, the building has had a much needed make over and it looks fantastic”.