Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson will forge a longstanding partnership with Treetops Hospice as part of its new Local Communities Partnership Programme, providing ongoing support and construction-based assistance to fulfil a community project for the end-of-life care charity.
Treetops Hospice – which provides vital end of life care in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to more than 3,000 local people every year, will now receive support from G F Tomlinson and its partners, Arc Partnership and Perfect Circle, to carry out essential improvements around their estate. This will initially involve improvement works to its wonderful woodland grounds to provide a tranquil and relaxing environment for patients, staff members, volunteers, families and the general public, ensuring paths are upgraded to improve safety and accessibility.
The Local Communities Partnership Programme will also enable the reconfiguration of the Treetops Hospice office and backroom spaces to provide improved working areas for the dedicated and caring staff, and to accommodate the charity’s growing governance and IT infrastructure needs, as the organisation continues to increase the number of people it helps in the region.
The hospice was selected as a finalist through a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style event last month, which involved four shortlisted charitable organisations presenting their projects in front of a panel of industry experts, which gave each of them the opportunity to gain professional advice and guidance to move forward with their community schemes.
During the Dragon’s Den event, Treetops Hospice demonstrated the significant need for the improvement works which would provide both physical and mental wellbeing benefits to more than 3,000 patients and their families, as well as dedicated staff and the general public.
The panel was impressed with the charity’s approach to extending their work to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the flexibility shown in maintaining vital work in supporting patients despite the challenges of contact over the last year. It also highlighted the importance of valuing the wellbeing of hard-working care staff and volunteers.
As part of the partnership, Treetops Hospice will receive an ongoing legacy of advice and support, as well as construction-based assistance.
Other shortlisted charities included Autism East Midlands, Bhive.community hub - South Lincolnshire Blind Society, and Forever Stars.
The Local Communities Partnership Programme is a new collaborative initiative developed by G F Tomlinson, which is aimed at supporting communities and charitable bodies within the region. It is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering social, economic and environmental benefits to the local communities in which it works through SCAPE Construction, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings.
The programme invited local not-for-profit organisations in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Staffordshire to apply for pro bono design and construction advice for an upcoming community project that required expert guidance, support and skills.
To deliver the Local Communities Partnership Programme which was launched earlier this year, G F Tomlinson is working with multi-disciplinary construction practice Arc Partnership – which is a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, as well as Perfect Circle – a property, construction and infrastructure consultancy that delivers the broadest range of consultancy services to the public sector via the SCAPE Consultancy direct award framework.
Craig Stopper, Regional Construction framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “It has been difficult to select from the amazing causes and projects and we feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to meet with all the shortlisted charitable organisations during the Dragons Den event and learn more about the work they do to support the local community.
“Congratulations to Treetops Hospice on being selected as our chosen organisation in the Local Communities Partnership Programme. We are very much looking forward to helping the charity improve its facilities, using the collective skills within our business and that of our partners, Arc Partnership and Perfect Circle - to create an environment in which patients, staff and the general public can thrive.
“Treetops Hospice care for more than 3,000 patients every year across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and their staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of patients and their families when they need it most.”
“We are looking forward to forging the long-term partnership with the hospice, to provide an ongoing legacy of support to an organisation that delivers incredible work across the region.”
Sara Williams, head of Pre-Construction at Arc Partnership, said “All four shortlisted organisations delivered excellent pitches at the Dragon’s Den-style event and we’re delighted Treetops Hospice was selected as the chosen organisation. The services the hospice offer to the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire community are invaluable, giving dignity in end-of-life care and providing emotional support to families.
“With the help of G F Tomlinson, Perfect Circle and Arc Partnership we will be able to help Treetops Hospice realise their ambitions to upgrade the outside areas and the reconfiguration of internal spaces. These two initial projects will make a profound difference for the users, the staff and the volunteers and I am humbled to be involved.”
Victoria Brambini, managing director at Perfect Circle, added: “Participating in the Dragon’s Den-style event was a brilliant way of connecting with four charities to provide them with advice and guidance to support their project aims. We are delighted to be continuing our support to Treetops Hospice to help with their improvements, which will benefit their staff, volunteers and the local community.”
Julie Heath, chief executive, Treetops Hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be selected by G F Tomlinson. We always strive to give our all to our local community and we would love to make our beautiful outdoor spaces fully accessible for people to use for relaxation and contemplation.
“It comes naturally for our staff to put patients and their families first. To recognise their tireless efforts, we would welcome advice and guidance on making their office space a little more comfortable for them."