Home Swede home!
FURNITURE GIANT AND STAFF TRANSFORMING COUNTY REFUGE
IKEA staff are transforming temporary accommodation for those who need it the most in Melton.
More than 30 members of staff from the Swedish furniture giant’s Nottingham store are volunteering their time to transform a total of 33 bedrooms and 15 living rooms in specialised accommodation run by the East Midlands Housing Group, (EMH).
The housing association provides temporary accommodation for families and young people who have lost their homes - including those who are fleeing domestic abuse, struggling with their finances or have been asked to leave their homes.
Families and individuals can stay in the accommodation for up to two years while receiving ongoing support and training through services enlisted by a team of trained key workers.
IKEA has donated the furniture to renovate all of the housing, with the staff members coming in compete the job and to give the place a homely feel.
The renovation started last month and will carry on for the next 12 months. Thirteen rooms have already been completed - 10 bedrooms, a communal room, a laundry and a gym.
Cheryl Beckett, store manager at IKEA Nottingham, said: “We’re committed to supporting and caring for our local community and feel honoured to be helping the EMH’s care and support charity with this project. We strongly believe that everyone should have a place to call home, no matter what their circumstances, and it’s important we create a positive change that will benefit families and individuals in need.
“This is a huge renovation, and we would like to thank our co-workers who will be a part of this over the coming months, whether that’s engaging directly with local EMH representatives, volunteering to revamp their service centres or providing expertise around the layout and furnishings.”
Chris Ashton, executive director of housing at EMH, said: “Our schemes provide a safe haven for residents and are their stepping-stone to a fresh housing start.
“We are extremely grateful to IKEA and its workers for their efforts in taking on this challenge to transform these rooms.
“From furniture donations to the amount of time taken to volunteer and help with this project, we understand how much this is going to make a difference to the lives of our residents.
“Our clients love the transformation so far, and they been giving us fantastic feedback.
“The project shows the power of partnership, but also our culture of innovation.
“By taking the time to consider the needs of residents and thinking outside the box, residents have truly benefitted.”