Team effort as helpers join forces for hospice

Rooms at the hospice including the day care ward, specialist treatment rooms and communal corridors were freshly painted by volunteers from facilities management firm Mitie.

Mitie is a contractor to the Sunderland housing group Gentoo. They recently worked together as part of a redecoration programme across the group’s Sunderland properties.

Gentoo named St Benedict’s as one of its corporate charities earlier this year, and agreed to help out with the redecoration after hearing that the hospice was in need of support.

The team effort was helped by Johnstone’s Paint, who donated the paint free of charge when they heard about the project.

Anthony McDermott, head of marketing at St Benedict’s said: “The effects of Covid-19 have had a huge and detrimental effect on our fundraising efforts at St Benedict’s Hospice.

“This is why we were delighted when Gentoo kindly offered to get involved and connect us to both Mitie and Johnson Paints, who amazingly carried out the refurbishment paint work, including all resources, that was much needed in our day-patient centre for free.

“Sadly we haven’t been able to receive patients into this facility in recent months due to the current constraints. However, by providing a fresh looking unit for when they all return, we know it will make such a huge difference to our service users.

“Thank you to everyone involved for their support on this project.”

Nigel Wilson, chief executive officer for Gentoo said: “As one of our corporate charities we’re absolutely delighted to support the hospice, not only financially through fundraising but also by providing other support where possible.

“The hospice provides hugely vital support for so many families in Sunderland and we are delighted to have been able to help maintain the hospice and ensure it continues to be a warm and welcoming place for those who need it.”

Shaun Denham, North East branch manager for Mitie said: “Having recently resumed our working relationship with Gentoo we were only too delighted to give something back to the wider community that they serve.

"Everyone that worked on this refurbishment has felt a great sense of community pride.”

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