The Hamlet Wigan CIC supports young adults aged 19 to 25 with additional needs, helping them develop life skills, take on work placements and build friendships. However, some basic parts of the building were making everyday access more difficult. Pathways needed re-flagging and the roof had leaks. There was no disabled-accessible entrance, and the bathrooms needed improvements to make them more accessible.

These affected how people could enter, move around and use the space. JJH Building Contractors Ltd stepped in to help.

Making the space easier to use

 Hamlet Wigan CIC’s programmes give trainees opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and become more independent. Having a building that they can use comfortably is part of that. JJH Building Contractors Ltd re-flagged the pathways, repaired the roof leaks, installed accessible bathrooms and created a new disabled-accessible entrance.

The entrance was particularly important to The Hamlet as the improvements have made the space safer and easier to navigate, helping people use the facilities with greater comfort.

Gemma Compton, Head of Provision at the Hamlet Wigan CIC says the difference has been felt across the organisation. 

“These projects have done far more than improve our building. They have made The Hamlet safer, more inclusive and more accessible, allowing people of all abilities to use our facilities with greater comfort, confidence and independence.”

More of the building, more of the programme

The physical work has also eased some of the pressure on The Hamlet’s resources.

The organisation’s work focuses on the people who use its services. Creative projects, work placements, community engagement and everyday activities give young adults opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and form relationships.

With essential building work taken care of, The Hamlet can keep more of its resources focused on those activities.

Gemma describes JJH Building Contractors Ltd’ contribution as “a powerful example of Social Value in action”, recognising the difference it has made to the organisation’s ability to focus its resources on its services and the people who rely on them.

The partnership that brought accessibility

JJH Building Contractors Ltd, founded in 1981, provided the labour and expertise needed to complete several improvements across The Hamlet’s building.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone at JJH Builders for their generosity, hard work and continued belief in what we do. Their support has helped transform our space and strengthen our ability to serve the local community.”

Gemma says. 

Hamlet’s work work includes helping young adults with additional needs develop skills, confidence and independence. The partnership with JJH Building Contractors Ltd has made the spaces more accessible and usable.

About Match My Project

Match My Project connects community organisations with local businesses to deliver Social Value. Community organisations identify and post the support they need, while businesses can respond with their time, skills, resources or funding.

Get in touch at hello@matchmyproject.org to find out how your organisation can get started.