Hull FC and main club partners Ecostrad are delighted to announce that local charity aScEND Hull have been chosen as the winners of the £10,000 Community Makeover project!
The project was announced back in October 2023 to celebrate the official commencement of the Black & Whites new partnership with the UK’s leading manufacturer of smart electric heating solutions. One lucky community organisation, club or facility was offered an unmissable opportunity to receive a full makeover worth up to £10,000!
After receiving over 160 individual nominations for organisations across the region, a panel of representatives from both Ecostrad and Hull FC have chosen aScEND Hull as the worthy winners.
The North Hull based charity provides a wide range of events and activities for members of the Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) community, as well as their families.
Activities include arts and crafts, junior play sessions, sensory sessions, Lego therapy, and more, all tailored to suit the needs of the individual participants involved.
The charity is run by manager Sarah Lacy, who set up the project during the first Covid-19 lockdown, initially running sessions virtually before renting a premises on Endike Lane to run physical sessions once restrictions were lifted.
Sarah, who does not take home a wage from the charity, runs aScEND without any external funding, purely relying on donations throughout the year.
Ecostrad and Hull FC representatives visited the charity before Christmas and were delighted to see such heart-warming work taking place in the local community. Following the culmination of the selection process, the team made a second surprise visit earlier this month to surprise Sarah with the news!
The building which hosts the charity does not currently have a central heating system. As part of the makeover Ecostrad will install their modern, energy-efficient heating systems, helping to create a more comfortable space for the participants involved. Additionally, Ecostrad will offer their painting and decorating skills and ensure new windows and doors are fitted throughout, along with new water heaters for access to hot water.
The charity’s founder, Sarah Lacy, said: ““We are a group for children and adults with disabilities and special needs – it’s a family orientated, inclusive environment and we try to make the experience as fun as possible, while being educational too.
“Having worked at a charity previously in the city which closed during lockdown, I realised that I’d really love to try and add something else to the city in terms of facilities with those young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the community.
“It’s a great building in terms of accessibility for the community and having a big garden is great for us in the summer, but it’s really cold in here in the winter with us having no working heating. We’ve had lots of problems over the last few years including a flood due to the cold weather, so this funding will make some huge improvements.
“Having those heating options from Ecostrad installed will make a huge difference to us, and we’re so grateful to be chosen as the winners of the competition, and we’re excited for the works to begin!”
Ecostrad’s Managing Director, Stephen Hankinson, said: “We’re thoroughly excited about this project, as it gives us here at Ecostrad the opportunity to enhance the experiences of those impacted by aScEND’s inspirational work.
“Our commitment goes beyond simply offering electric heating solutions and a makeover; it’s about contributing to a cause that will truly make a difference in people’s lives.
He added: “The selfless dedication Sarah has shown in improving the lives within the community she’s built is utterly inspirational and deserves both recognition and celebration.
“We’re thrilled that we’ve connected through the Community Makeover Initiative and are now able to shine a spotlight on the incredible work that she’s doing.”
Ecostrad are a forerunner in the UK’s electric heating landscape, manufacturing exceptional electric heating systems for a variety of domestic and commercial applications. Delivering unparalleled control and efficiency, their products offer a carbon-free alternative to gas central heating when paired with renewable energy.
To read more about Hull FC’s new principal partnership with Ecostrad, click here.
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