Builders merchant Buildbase and CRASH have come to the aid Amber - a charity working with young homelss people in the South West. Buildbase donated paint, brushes and overalls to help with the major redecoration project.

Amber helps unemployed homeless young people to overcome personal barriers and gain the skills, confidence and self-esteem they need to find work, accommodation and independent living. Their centre in Chawleigh, Ashley Court, was opened in 2003 and is home to 30 young people at any one time. Inevitably the sheer number of people that have passed through the centre has taken its toll and it was decided that redecorating all the bedrooms was well overdue.

The painting will be done by the young people themselves and they were keen to begin work straight away, particularly as they had recently received a donation to purchase new bedroom furniture. Said one of the residents at Ashley Court, Adrian Mulcahy:

"Not only will we have swish new bedrooms, by the time we've finished them all we'll be real painters and decorators. It could be the start of a new career!"

CRASH brings together the expertise and help of professionals and companies from the UK construction and property industries to assist homelessness projects to reduce construction costs. CRASH contacted Buildbase, explained what Amber wanted to do with and they were keen to help. The charity's director Tom Biddlecombe explained:

"I spoke to Kevin Middleton Buildbase Chief Executive and he quickly arranged for the local Buildbase branch to provide the materials needed for the job. Once again a CRASH Patron company has stepped up to make a difference to the lives of homeless and vulnerable individuals. I add my thanks to Buildbase for their generous support."

Said Kevin Middleton:
"We were delighted to be able to help this exciting project. As a company Buildbase is keen to support the local community whenever we can and have worked with a number of charities over the years. CRASH is doing lots of valuable work to help vulnerable people and we are proud to be involved."