The need

Kenward Trust took on the lease on a new, 14-bed property in Tunbridge Wells; Colebrook House. This accommodation is to be used as Stage 2 move-on accommodation for residents who are homeless and need assisted, ongoing recovery support. Stage 2 provides safe, supported, alcohol- and drug-free housing where residents live independently but have a designated Support Worker to guide them on their journey to long-term recovery, building stability and confidence in a peer-supported environment.

The property was previously used as a homeless hostel and has fallen into a state of disrepair. As a result, Kenward Trust need to complete a full refurbishment of the property, both to the internal rooms and external garden and patio space.

Before CRASH were involved, Kenward Trust had already started refurbishment works, with the bedrooms and communal areas completed. Kenward Trust reached out to CRASH for support with the remaining renovations to the 7 WCs, including 3 shower rooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms, 2 accessible en-suite bathrooms, and 10 sink and vanity units in each bedroom which needed replacing.

The project

CRASH Corporate Patron, Taylor Wimpey provided a total of £44,952, to date, in gift in kind value on this project. This support covered the construction materials for all bathroom spaces and vanity units, including sanitary ware tiles flooring. This value also extends to the labour needed to carry out the project, Taylor Wimpey chose Simcott as the most suitable contractor to implement the vision at Kenward Trust, due to Simcott’s zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs.

The Outcome

The refurbishment of Colebrook House has transformed the Stage 2 move-on accommodation into a safer, more dignified and restorative environment for people in the early stages of their recovery journey. Thanks to the generosity and expertise of Taylor Wimpey and their contractor Simcott, residents now benefit from:

• Seven fully refurbished WCs, including; 3 shower rooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms, 2 accessible en-suite bathrooms
• Ten new bedroom vanity units, each providing increased storage and improved functionality, helping residents keep their personal spaces organised.
• Hygienic, easy-to-clean shower units and modern sanitaryware that significantly enhance the comfort and day-to-day wellbeing of residents.

These improvements play a vital role in the recovery process. As Penny, CEO of Kenward Trust, shared at the opening:

“Recovery doesn’t stop at detox or therapy. Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 programmes are vital for giving people stability to continue in recovery. Having a safe and comfortable place to call home is absolutely essential during this challenging time. The refurbishment you’ve made possible will have a real and lasting impact – providing dignity, security and a sense of stability that makes all the difference in a tough journey. Thank you for helping us create an environment where recovery can truly flourish.’’

This project ensures that individuals facing addiction are met not only with support services, but with a home that fosters dignity, purpose and hope – giving them the best possible foundation for lasting recovery as they transition from residential treatment towards independent living.

The need

Each year, WFCNS supports an average of 150 rough sleepers across North London to develop the resilience to live independently in their own homes. In 2023, they purchased their first move-on accommodation, a home just around the corner from their Branches hostel in Walthamstow. The house was in need of refurbishment to create a warm, inviting, safe environment for residents.

The project

The charity spent 17 months refurbishing the house to meet the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) standards, the property is also one of the first HMOs to aim to meet Passivhaus (EnerPHit) standards.

CRASH was proud to play a pivotal role in the project, providing professional expertise, financial support, and pro bono construction materials through our Corporate Patrons. The collective generosity and skills of CRASH Patrons helped WFCNS create a home that supports recovery, sustainability, and long-term wellbeing.

The total Gift in Kind value for this project was £161,648.75, including professional expertise, pro bono or discounted materials and a grant.

CRASH Corporate Patrons contributed:

Arcadis did an initial visit and provided a Project Advisor’s report at the start of the project.

Volker Fitzpatrick and Dalkia provided professional expertise and joined us on the project visit and met with architects and MEP team. Volker Fitzpatrick also completed a Thermal imaging report which helped show the design team where heat was being lost throughout the building.

Kingspan, Knauf Insulation and Etex Superglass provided insulation products to improve the thermal performance throughout the building. Knauf Drywall provided products to support the installation of the ceilings.

Bauder provided roofing materials for the main building and the garden room, to ensure watertightness throughout.

British Gypsum supported the project with plasterboard for all bedrooms and bathrooms, as the house was being remodelled.

Geberit provided all bathroom sanitary wear, including basins, showers and WC’s for the ensuite bedrooms and a basin for the garden room.

Genuit provided a Multi Ventilation Heat Recovery System (MVHR), this unit means that outside air can be circulated into each room to improve the ventilation within the rooms.

Dulux Decorator Centre provided paint for the entire project and their technical team supported with advice on colours, which improved the aesthetics of each room.

CRASH Supporters contributed:

Gardiner and Theobald supported the charity with VAT advice on the project.

Johnson Tiles provided floor and wall tiles for the hallway, living area, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room.

Heckmondwike supported with carpet tiles for all the bedrooms.

A Sustainable Model for the Future

Designed by Cullinan Studio, the house has been retrofitted with the aim of meeting EnerPHit standards, applying Passivhaus design principles to drastically reduce energy demand from 219 kWh/m2a to just 28 kWh/m2a – a remarkable 87% improvement. Features include:

• High-performance insulation and airtightness using Passive Purple
• Triple-glazed windows with heritage-appropriate design
• Mechanical ventilation heat recovery system for fresh, clean air
• Air source heat pump and solar panels for decarbonised heating

Cai Hall, Project Architect at Cullinan Studio, commented: “It has been great to work with Branches on this project where we could explore innovative and experimental approaches to retrofit, types of housing, and meeting the needs of their residents.”

The outcome

The home now features:

The Stepping Stones house provides a safe, stable environment where residents can stay for 6 to 12 months while continuing to receive wraparound support. With regular visits from support staff and access to the full range of Branches services, residents will be empowered to connect with the local community and move forward with confidence.

The house is centred around supporting residents whilst fostering independence. The team at Branches have designed a second-stage home which naturally provides a stepping stone between the hostel and independent living.  With individual post boxes and electricity metres for each room, residents can practice paying and managing bills. Each room is also equipped with its own fridge, and the communal kitchen with shared freezer allows residents to do their own catering – an important stepping stone as they move from the hostel shelter where they are supported at mealtimes.

This transformative project wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration and generosity of supporters. Thanks to CRASH Patrons, WFCNS is one step closer to ending the cycle of homelessness for more people in London.

The Project

Corporate Patron Arcadis joined CRASH on the initial visit to discuss the charity’s needs, a subsequent report was put together, and a plan put into place!

CRASH called on Corporate Patron, VolkerFitzpatrick to lead the project, and it was a true team effort with fellow Patron, Kilnbridge supplying a discounted asbestos survey and report. Geberit donated free of charge sanitaryware for the shower room, whilst Dulux Decorator Centre supported the project with colour specifiers, who designed and created a bespoke colour palette to suit the space and its needs, as well as providing the required paint free of charge.

CRASH supporters Altro donated discounted flooring to the main dining area and office space, removing previous trip hazards and brightening the space up. Supporter, Mossford installed the new shower room whilst Pentalec completely fitted out the space with new lighting, both at a discounted rate.

The outcome

Finishing touches…

CRASH is currently in the process of adding some finishing touches to the project with the help of Corporate Patrons, Areen Design and Beale & Co… stay tuned!

VolkerFitzpatrick will also be donating laptops to The Manna, which give visitors a space to look for employment.

The impact

The Tony Denison Award

Anne Cartwright is the lead volunteer at The Manna and has volunteered there for 30 years. It is Anne’s commitment, dedication and desire to help those most in need that saw her take home the Tony Denison Award at CRASH’s recent Corporate Patrons’ Reception. This award is named after CRASH founder, and former industry professional Tony Denison and celebrates the individuals who share Tony’s values and qualities, such as compassion and commitment to helping people. Congratulations Anne and thank you for your contribution to the homelessness sector.

The need

Emmaus Hertfordshire have occupied their home, a former nurse’s accommodation building, for just over 21 years. A recent Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) survey of their building has identified a number of areas for improvement – the most urgent priority being a roof replacement. The large roof area was at the end of its economic life and beginning to exhibit major defects, including leaks into Companions’ bedrooms.

Having worked with CRASH charity before, Emmaus Hertfordshire put in an application to help with replacing the roof.

The solution

CRASH sought the help of flat roof specialist and Corporate Patron Bauder, who joined the initial visit and advised on the best course of action. Bauder also recommended and gained the help of Stevenage based contractor, CWG to carry out works on the pitched areas of the roof. Within a few weeks, Extreme Scaffolding had put up the scaffolding and preliminary works had started.

Bauder donated their expertise and flat roof materials free of charge. Whilst CWG and Extreme Scaffolding gave a discounted rate for their work. CRASH was able to offer a grant to Emmaus Hertfordshire to cover the remaining costs, meaning that there has been no cost to the charity for their new roof, allowing Emmaus Hertfordshire to shift their focus and funds back into the support and service they offer to companions and the local community.

The need

In the summer months, Emmaus Hastings & Rother are faced with severe over-heating of their charity superstore, which makes for difficult working conditions and means some customers leave the store to cool down.

As the charity’s main source of income, something needed to be done to regulate the temperature of the superstore, which is where CRASH came in…

The solution

CRASH visited the building followed by Corporate Patron, NG Bailey, who advised the best course of action would be to install air conditioning units to help regulate the superstores temperature in the summer months.

Come the warmer months, Emmaus Hastings & Rother will be able to make full use of their new air conditioning units, and the team can relax knowing they have the services available to cool the building if needed – providing a better shopping experience for customers and a comfortable workplace for staff.

The impact

NG Bailey engaged their supply chain and generously completed this project free of charge with no cost for the homelessness charity.

The need

Kairos’ move-on houses are family-sized properties in the community, ranging in size from four to 11 bedrooms. Their property in Burnt Oak was occupied by a different community prior to Kairos’ ownership and currently houses seven residents, with two bathrooms between them. The downstairs bathroom was in need of a refresh, which CRASH could certainly help with…

The Solution

CRASH Corporate Patron VolkerFitzpatrick led the build and worked with the support of their sub-contractors, Lawsons demolition, Mossford, and Pentalec, to deliver the new bathroom. CRASH engaged Corporate Patrons Geberit, who generously donated the sanitaryware free of charge, Dulux Decorator Centre, who supplied the paint, and supporter Altro, who provided the flooring free of charge and the wall panelling at a reduced cost.

The bathroom is now fit-for purpose, and its wipe clean surfaces are perfect for shared accommodation!

• The Gift in Kind value from donated expertise and products on the project totalled £15,339
• CRASH pledged a small grant to cover the discounted wall panelling, meaning there was no cost to Kairos for this new bathroom

CRASH reached out to Corporate Patron AECOM to collaborate on a fire safety workshop; an opportunity for members of homelessness charities Kairos Community Trust and Emmaus UK to learn from experts in fire safety. The group also compared and discussed with each other different approaches to managing fire risks. AECOM hosted the workshop at their London office, with attendees from nine locations across the UK.

CRASH has a long-standing relationship with charities Kairos Community Trust and Emmaus UK, having supported both with construction and refurbishment projects over the years. Kairos Community Trust has 182 beds in their move-on houses across London, while Emmaus UK supports over 850 formerly homeless people across their 30 communities. As properties with multiple occupancy, these buildings must have fire safety measures and strategies in place to ensure the welfare of residents.

Introducing the workshop

AECOM’s fire safety engineers Trevor Williams and Allen Mead presented on the risks associated with houses of multiple occupancy; offering guidance on new legislation and the steps necessary to meet these standards. With an interactive Q&A session, the presenters addressed individuals concerns and offered solutions to real problems; equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to apply this to their own communities.

Topics covered:

• Understanding and ensuring a ‘successful fire outcome’
• Common deficiencies in buildings (faulty fire doors, faulty detection systems, evacuation signage)
• Regulations and Building Safety Act 2022 – what it means and how to comply
• Identifying and training the ‘responsible person’ in a team
• Fire evacuation strategy
• Fire risk assessments

The outcome

By bringing together both Kairos Community Trust and Emmaus UK, different approaches to managing fire risks were shared, individual and relevant to shelters and communities for people who have been homeless and in need of support.

CRASH Corporate Patron AECOM used their volunteering hours and professional expertise to create and run this workshop, in doing so, they equipped homelessness charities with the information and skills to develop the fire safety strategy of their buildings. Improving the fire safety of buildings helps keep the people that use them safe, leaving a lasting impact in these communities for years to come.

How CRASH Corporate Patrons helped

CRASH Corporate Patron Arcadis, Gardiner & Theobald and Glazing Vision worked together on the project to extend the second floor and improve the facilities offered to residents and clients in the recovery programme.

Arcadis donated a TV and artwork, Gardiner & Theobald donated office furniture, and Glazing Vision supplied and installed a new roof light over the kitchen at a discount.

The social impact

The support for phase two, provided by CRASH and our Corporate Patrons, saved Kairos a huge £41,244 off the final phase two cost; this included:

The significant cost savings will enable Kairos to focus their resources and time on supporting their residents and clients, helping more people on their journey to recovery and independent living for years to come.