Charity LEAPs at help from others

Fantastic support helps transform working environment for helpers

Lightburn Elderly Association Project in Cambuslang has a bright new look to match its bright future.

Park Systems in Carmyle has donated a range of office furniture to the charity, including armchairs for the group’s Hamilton Road waiting area and comfortable chairs for their training suite on Craigallian Avenue.

It also provided furniture for the small meeting room, creating a comfortable space for more vulnerable clients.

The Carmyle firm, which refits offices and helps up-cycle furniture, realised working with LEAP was a good fit in a “lightbulb moment”.

LEAP held its 25th AGM last year and has grown from a two-person befriending and odd-job operation based in the original Cairns Primary School to a 19-strong staff with around 200 volunteers working out of the new Main Street offices.

Staff say they can “fill in the gaps” for older people by helping with jobs too small for tradespeople, such as changing a lightbulb, and befriending through its Hands On Project (HOP).

The charity originally offered services in Cambuslang but has grown to cover Rutherglen, Blantyre, Hamilton, East Kilbride, Bothwell, Uddingston, Stonehouse and Strathaven.

When family members live far afield, it is a vital service for older people.

Stuart McGregor, executive director of LEAP, said: ”Without the help of Park Systems we would not have managed to complete the refit of our offices and training suite to such a high standard.

“We simply would not have had the means to furnish it so well and we are extremely grateful to Park Systems for their support and generosity.

“It means that we can now better meet the needs of our client group.”

Graham Kirkwood, director and owner of Park Systems, said: “We were delighted to support LEAP and their great work in the Cambuslang area.

“We hope the volunteers and workers at LEAP find their new offices a pleasant environment in which to carry out their important work.

“Park Systems are very aware of the need to recycle quality office furnishings.

“It was a privilege to support this project and to do something positive for others in the community.”

It is not the first time Park Systems has helped a charity.

The company has its own charitable arm and has worked with Shelter and Project Second Chance for prisoners.

LEAP also offers befriending and handyperson volunteering opportunities.

Treasurer Jim Cunningham told the Reformer that he became involved with LEAP through a woodwork class after he retired.

He said: “And I have never looked back. It is so worthwhile.

“It is terrific having a place to come to, and to help others.”

The charity also runs the R:evolve project which operates three boutique-style charity swap shops in Cambuslang, Rutherglen and Hamilton.

The stores encourage people to swap clothes instead of throwing them in the bin, and to reduce CO2 emissions by doing so.

Those interested in getting involved in LEAP or using the charity’s services on can call 01698 907004 or visit the website www.leap-project.co.uk.

Without the help of Park Systems we could not have done it