Transforming communal spaces for people rebuilding their lives in Bolton

Emmaus is a homelessness charity providing a home, training, education and meaningful work for people who have experienced homelessness. Emmaus Bolton operates from a former army barracks and provides accommodation for up to 22 Companions, alongside support and opportunities to help them regain stability and independence.

CRASH has supported Emmaus Bolton with several projects over the years. Most recently, CRASH Corporate Patrons Arcadis, Bauder and MiTek helped deliver a major roof replacement project after water ingress had begun affecting Companion accommodation and other parts of the building. CRASH and Corporate Patron MiTek awarded grants totalling £146,646, while construction industry partners provided professional expertise and materials valued at £67,453. Read more about the project here.

The Need

Following the successful roof replacement, Emmaus Bolton was able to turn its attention to the internal areas of the building which had been damaged by the water ingress and required refurbishment.

Communal spaces, circulation areas and accommodation corridors were in need of redecoration to create a more welcoming and uplifting environment for the Companions who call Emmaus home. The charity also wanted to improve facilities available to residents, including the creation of a gym space to support wellbeing.

At the same time, CRASH Corporate Patron VolkerFitzpatrick had secured a major local construction project, Arrow Point, in Bolton. As part of its social value commitments, the company was looking for a meaningful way to support the local community and approached CRASH to explore opportunities where its expertise and supply chain could make a lasting difference.

The Project

Drawing on its existing relationship with Emmaus Bolton, CRASH identified the charity’s refurbishment project as an ideal opportunity to connect need with industry support.

VolkerFitzpatrick worked closely with CRASH to coordinate and manage specialist painters and drywall installers from its supply chain, helping to deliver significant improvements throughout the building.

Works included:

• Decoration of the dining room
• Refurbishment of cottages, including stairs, landings, kitchens and bathrooms – Remove
• Decoration of the TV lounge including a new ceiling grid
• New Ceiling grid to the circulation lobby
• Decoration of the mezzanine areas
• Creation of a gym space for Companions

Construction Industry Support

Corporate Patron Dulux Trade donated paint for the refurbishment works, with all materials supplied through Dulux Decorator Centre. VolkerFitzpatrick coordinated the delivery of labour and specialist contractor support through its supply chain.

The project delivered a total Gift in Kind value of £12,231, comprising £1,731 of paint donated by Dulux Trade and £10,500 worth of professional expertise and contractor support coordinated by VolkerFitzpatrick.

The Outcome

The refurbishment has created brighter, more welcoming communal areas and improved facilities for Emmaus Bolton’s residents. By investing in the spaces where Companions live, socialise and access support, the project has helped create an environment that promotes wellbeing, dignity and community.

“This project demonstrates the real value that can be achieved when construction companies use their expertise, resources and supply chains to support the communities where they work. VolkerFitzpatrick proactively approached CRASH to identify a local project, showing how our Corporate Patrons can make a meaningful and lasting difference through social value initiatives that directly benefit local charities and the people they support.”
Vipesh Mistry, Head of Projects, CRASH

CRASH is continuing to explore opportunities to facilitate similar partnerships, connecting construction industry organisations with homelessness charities and hospices in the communities where they operate.

“People with experience of homelessness have a home, individualised support and opportunities to progress at Emmaus Bolton. By refurbishing the communal areas in our accommodation and reshaping our health and fitness space, CRASH, Volker Fitzpatrick, and Dulux have strengthened our charity’s commitment to providing a warm, welcoming home for people on their journeys towards new lives. Thank you for working alongside our residents to produce such wonderful results.”

Tony Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Bolton

“I was so pleased to be involved in the Bolton, Emmaus project. As a team whilst working in Bolton we wanted to do something positive for the local area and our relationship with CRASH provided the perfect opportunity. Seeing how our involvement helped make a difference was so rewarding. I got to learn how important these places are. The redecoration works could not have been done without the help from our supply chain partner Advanced Drywall Systems and S.P Smith Painting.’’

Sam Essex, Assistant Site Manager at Volker Fitzpatrick

“Through our partnership with CRASH, we were pleased to play a small part in supporting Emmaus Bolton’s vision of creating a warm, welcoming environment for people rebuilding their lives after homelessness. The transformation of these communal spaces will benefit not only the residents who call Emmaus home today, but many more people in the years to come. Safe, uplifting surroundings can help foster dignity, wellbeing and a sense of belonging, and it is inspiring to see what can be achieved when charities, local communities and industry partners come together with a shared purpose. We are proud to support projects that create lasting positive impact for both individuals and the wider community.”

Phoena Wilmott-Bayer, Sustainability Project Manager at Dulux Decorator Centre