LEADING trade retailer, Screwfix, recently donated time, tools and equipment to Chawleigh-based charity, The Amber Foundation, as part of a complete renovation project to highlight its outdoor product offering.

The Amber Foundation was in desperate need of renovation in order to carry out the meaningful work it does with young people.

Recognising that completing four key outdoor projects would give the site a complete makeover was key in Screwfix’s decision to work with the charity, to leave a lasting legacy and enable the foundation to continue making a real difference.

Screwfix sent an army of tradespeople to complete the renovation project at The Amber Foundation.

This included everything from construction work and decking to outdoor decorating and commercial landscaping - saving the charity thousands of pounds in addition to being the backbone of the outdoor projects creative.

Caroline Welsh, Director of Brand and Marketing said: “We’re so proud to have helped The Amber Foundation out, the charity does great work within the community, helping young homeless people transform their lives. The core message of this campaign is that there are real tradespeople making a real difference in their communities, up and down the country, completing projects efficiently and to a high standard.”

Stephen Ballantyne, from The Amber Foundation, added: “The Amber Foundation supports some of the most marginalised young people in society, giving them a temporary home and the support they need to re-build their lives.

"We would like to say an enormous thank you to Screwfix for choosing to support us and for making a real difference to how the centre looks and feels. Screwfix has made a big impact on the day-to-day life of young people who call Amber their home.”

For their latest campaign the trade retailer prompts customers to “Start with Screwfix” for their outdoor projects this spring. Instead of shooting in a studio, Screwfix took the opportunity to attain photography for the campaign in a unique way, taking the project to the outdoors, filming in a real working environment with the dual aim to make a real difference in the community.

Amber provides a temporary safe place to live with up to 90 other homeless and unemployed young people across its three residential centres in Surrey, Wiltshire and at Chawleigh.

There – in a calm and nurturing environment – it provides a mix of support, structure, new experiences and training that builds residents motivation, self-discipline and skills. The charity helps them address any specific issues that may be holding them back and help them find the self-belief and determination to move forward.

Alan Quick