Helpers make children's haven for Ashington school

Posted by The Journal on Jan 16, 09 09:28 AM in School news

Builder Miller Homes has been displaying its charitable side helping organise vital repairs at an Ashington school in partnership with national children's charity The Place2Be.

Staff recently worked with local suppliers and gave time and resources to redesign and construct two rooms at Alexandra First School.

The Place2Be

From left, Alexandra First School headteacher Paul Craig, Place2Be project manager Gill Morritt and Miller homes commercial manager Andrew Finnigan.

The rooms will be used by the school counselling charity for one-to-one and group sessions, as well as a lunchtime drop-in for pupils.

The Place2Be's Blyth Hub, which also recently helped with work at nearby Welbeck First School, was launched in 2006 and works in 12 schools with a combined population of 3,543 children.

Miller commercial manager Andrew Finnigan said: "I'd personally like to thank The Place2Be for making such a difference to the pupils' day-to-day learning. Miller Homes is a keen supporter of the charity across the UK.

"I'd also like to express gratitude to the local subcontractors and suppliers who gave up their time free of charge."

Subcontractors were joinery, drylining and painting firm MITIE Property Services, of Bristol, electrical engineer Simpson & Gregg, of Newcastle, and Rochdale joiner Ashwood Ltd.

Suppliers included timber supplier Hathaway & Hoyle in Stockton, Sheffield window and door firm Jeld Wen, Durham iron monger J&G Archibalds and Gateshead builders' merchant James Burrell.

The Place2Be chief executive Benita Refson said: "We would like to thank Miller Homes for their dedication and commitment to the charity.

"By providing The Place2Be with new rooms in the schools, they have created a safe and welcoming place for the children to come and talk about their concerns."

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