CRASH charity makes hospice accessible

Construction industry charity CRASH recently took on a project with Ashgate Hospicecare in North Derbyshire.

CRASH helped the hospice build a brand-new entrance to their Grade II listed building. The new entrance meant people with accessibility needs could attend the hospices day services, without having to pass via the in-patient unit – something that was potentially distressing for those attending bereavement support.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead at Ashgate Hospice, Liz Allam, said: “The accessible entrance at Ashgate makes an important and highly visible statement about our values of being inclusive and open to all. Taking the step of accessing care and support from a hospice can be daunting for people, and we want to make sure there are as few barriers as possible – physical or otherwise.”

CRASH, who utilises the construction industry to help homelessness charities and hospices with their construction projects, gained the help of its Corporate Patron’s, British Gypsum, Dulux, Hanson and supporter company, Heckmondwike, to make this project happen. In 2019, the charity also helped Ashgate hospice to convert their crowded 3-bed in-patient bay into nine individual, private and peaceful rooms.

Projects manager at CRASH, Niamh McCann, said: “I always enjoy bringing our Corporate Patron companies together to deliver lasting social impact in our communities – improving the accessibility to Ashgate Hospice and its day services will help the people of North Derbyshire for years to come.”

Thanks to the fundraising of the construction industry, CRASH was able to award a £45,000 cash grant to this project. To help CRASH support future charity projects like this one, visit https://www.crash.org.uk/fundraising/the-big-march/.