Creating Welcoming Spaces in Nottingham

February 23rd, 2020

Brewers Nottingham have lent their support to a bereavement charity, helping them refurbish rooms used for counselling.

Cruse Bereavement Care in Nottinghamshire are part of the national charity Cruse Bereavement Care, which for 60 years has provided support and help to children, young people and adults who are grieving following the death of a loved one. The charity offers face-to-face, group, telephone, email and website support, with services provided free and confidentially by trained volunteers. 

Lenton Business Centre – one of the four branches in the Nottinghamshire group – was in particular need of refurbishment, with meetings rooms unsuitable and unwelcoming for clients needing bereavement support. The group were fortunate to be awarded a trust fund to carry out the works, but soon realised they needed more help.

"The grant was very welcome," said Sue, a bereavement support volunteer at the centre, "but unfortunately it was not enough to make all the required improvements, so we decided to seek help from the local community."

Cruse had previously been in touch with Brewers Nottingham for assistance with their charity fundraisers, so they decided to contact the store again. 

"We’ve supported Cruse in Nottingham for a number of years," said Sally Birchnall, Store Manager at Nottingham, "so when Sue approached me about the refurbishment, I was more than happy to help."

Forty litres of paint of various brands, including Albany, were donated to decorate accent walls in each of the four client meeting rooms. The colours were custom mixed by Sally to match an interior scheme that had been devised for the centre. Furniture and flooring were donated or discounted by other local businesses, enabling the budget to be stretched further to provide all the finishing touches.

"The accent walls were a key part of the colour scheme in each room, co-ordinating with chairs, cushions, art work and other accessories. The place has been transformed, and is so much more pleasant for all the volunteers and the clients needing support,’ said Sue. ‘Everyone’s generosity has been overwhelming and has enabled us to make a real difference." 

"Seeing the finished project makes me feel very proud," said store manager Sally. "It’s a real honour that I have been able to help this amazing charity make a difference to the community in their time of need."

‘It’s a real honour that I have been able to help this amazing charity make a difference to the community in their time of need.’

Sally Birchnall
Store Manager


Before the refresh, the rooms were unsuitable and unwelcoming for clients needing bereavement support...