A hardy team of workers has given a local centre for deaf people a much-needed facelift.
Commuters on London Road will now see a doorway and entrance, including an accessible ramp, as they drive past the building in Deafness Support Network (DSN) building in Northwich.
A team of charitable maintenance staff travelled from Chester Racecourse to complete the work as part of an initiative set by Chester Race Company.
The initiative – entitled ‘Project 1000’ – pledges to commit 1,000 volunteer hours to local charities and act as an example to businesses in the local area looking for ways in which they can support the local community.
Now in its second year, over 120 full-time members of staff are involved, donating their time and expertise throughout the year to contribute to the community of Cheshire.
The experiences have been both rewarding and fulfilling for employees, charities and service users alike.
“We are delighted to have been able to provide support to Deafness Support Network and help them construct the new ramp at the centre in Northwich,” said Mark Wilcockson, head of HR and Project 1000 coordinator.
“The team thoroughly enjoyed getting stuck in and donating their time to an initiative which has truly made a difference for the charity.”
Gill Reeder, executive operations for DSN, said: “The front of Northwich has always meant that not many people knew what was going on in the building, or had any desire to go in!
“This has really opened up the frontage and we’re thrilled to have been supported by Chester Race Company – their work has been tremendous.”
DSN operates day services and support groups at the centre, as well as courses throughout the year in British Sign Language (BSL).
Their services are supported by both Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council, however, due to cuts, voluntary work such as that carried out by Chester Race Company proved to be crucial.
“Any local businesses wanting to get more involved, lend a hand or even volunteer, we’d love to hear from you,” added Gill.
“More than 100,000 people in Cheshire live with a hearing loss and that number is growing, so our services will be increasingly stretched. Please get in touch if you want to help.”
For more information please visit: www.dsnonline.co.uk
DSN has centres at the following addresses:
DSN Northwich
144 London Road
Northwich
Cheshire
CW9 5HH
DSN Macclesfield
27 Bridge Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6EG
DSN Chester
South View Road
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 4JG
Supported Living Services – Stepping Stones
Weir Street
Northwich
CW9 5HL
