A Fresh Return for Braintree District Mencap Society

Members of Braintree District Mencap Society were welcomed back to renovated premises this autumn, thanks to the hard work of volunteers – and a donation from their local Brewers Decorator Centre.

The Society offers support, guidance and activities for children and adults with learning disabilities and their families. Sadly the Covid-19 pandemic meant that their building was closed during lockdown and a deep clean was required before they were able to reopen. The charity wanted to use the opportunity to give the premises a much-needed lick of paint, but while they had plenty of volunteers, restrictions on fundraising meant they had no funds for materials. 

‘The lack of fundraising this year has hit the charity hard,’ said Faye Addison, manager of the Brewers Chelmsford store, who was contacted by the charity's office manager, Sue Turner.

‘It was especially difficult as it was the charity's 65th anniversary this year, so Sue really wanted to make the return special. We were very pleased to be able to help them.'

Approximately 100 litres of mistinted paint in a variety of brands and finishes were donated to the charity's project. 'I advised on the suitable finishes in different locations, as Sue hoped to decorate the walls and woodwork in the entrance hall and four support rooms,' said Faye.

A team of volunteers set to painting over the summer, and members and their families were welcomed back to the transformed premises in September.

'It’s been really nice to help in such a difficult year,’ said Faye, ‘and wonderful to see that our mistinted paints could be made so worthwhile.’