A communal outdoor space at Cradley Heath Salvation Army Church and Community Hub has been given a new lease of life, thanks to a collaboration between Bridge Construction and Sandwell Council’s Social Value team.
Back in March, Richard Lewis, Commercial Director at Bridge Construction, reached out to the Social Value team to ask if there were any local community projects they could support while carrying out nearby works. Social Value Officer Karen Richards quickly identified a perfect match as the Salvation Army Church and Community Hub needed help revitalising its outdoor communal area in time for the warmer weather.
The Cradley Heath Salvation Army is a vital support service for vulnerable people, offering practical help and a warm welcome to all, regardless of faith. Their outdoor space had become overgrown and difficult to use, limiting the activities they could offer.
Karen connected Richard with Jacob Smith, Corps Mission Development Leader at the hub. Within weeks, Richard and his team were on site, clearing vegetation, removing waste, relaying sunken paving stones and extending the paved area to make it more accessible. Once the heavy work was complete, they finished the job by jet washing the whole area, leaving it spotless and ready for community use.
“It was a pleasure to be able to help Jacob and the Cradley Heath Salvation Army to create a more user-friendly outdoor space for its members,” said Richard. “It only took three days and the transformation was incredible.”
Jacob was equally thrilled with the outcome: “It’s a grand job. Thank you to Karen for keeping us in mind and linking us up with Bridge Construction. Thank you again to Richard and the team for this great community help – getting the garden space ready for the warmer months”.
This small but impactful project is a testament to what can be achieved when local organisations come together with a shared commitment to improving their community.
For more information on Social Value in Sandwell, visit Sandwell Business Growth – Social Value in Sandwell webpage.
