We transformed the LGBTQ+ community centre in Manchester - here's why
Colleagues at Wickes Baugley assessed the centre's needs and rallied a group of enthusiastic volunteers to give The Proud Place a refresh.
The work of the Wickes team revitalised various spaces within The Proud Place, including fresh coats of paint, new door handles on cupboards, and a stylish revamp of the office and consultation areas.
The updated space will now provide an even more welcoming and functional space many who use it’s services.
The Proud Place is home to The Proud Trust and serves as a centre for the LGBTQ+ community. The centre hosts a range of events from coffee mornings and co-working days to clothes swaps and welcoming youth groups.
The Proud Place's history began in the 1970s but the current building, which opened in 2020 is the result of fundraising campaigns
the present building, which opened in 2020, is the result of a successful community fundraising. The people at The Proud Place has said how happy they are for the help of The Wickes team in keeping the centre open and accessible to the whole of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.
Recemt work includes refreshing one of the charity’s offices to make it more inviting and fixing door handles across the building to improve accessibility.
Director of Services at AKT Charity, based in The Proud Place, Hayley Speed, said: "It’s essential that the space we provide is safe, LGBTQ+ affirming, and welcoming. Many of the young people we support are in crisis or facing highly stressful situations, so creating a comfortable environment - where they feel secure and can even enjoy something as simple as a warm drink - is crucial to our success in supporting them."
Wickes Bolton Store Operations Manager, Amy Warwick, said: "We've been supporting the Proud Place in Manchester for three years now. Each year, they contact us with a list of jobs that need to be completed, such as painting, scuff mark removal, touch-ups, and minor repairs. We donate the necessary stock from our regional stores and assemble a team to complete the work. We take pride in supporting our community and ensuring that the Proud Place provides a safe and comfortable environment for all visitors. The Proud Place is always extremely grateful for our help and support.”
Wickes’ North Regional Leader Kevin Rimmer said, "This is a highlight of our year, and a day we look forward to doing as we know it helps so many people who use the centre in the centre of Manchester. These volunteer projects also offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues from other stores and members of the community."