About the corporate organisation
Compac Services is a family-run business with over 36 years' experience, specialising in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). As a leading HVAC specialist, they are the preferred contractor for businesses looking for expert installation and maintenance services across the North East and the UK. Their extensive experience and commitment to quality have consistently delivered positive results for their customers.
Working with Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance, Compac Services has demonstrated a strong social value commitment. They have provided added value to the local voluntary and community sector, contributing to improving outcomes for local communities.
What was offered?
Compac generously offered a £200 cash donation to a voluntary or community sector organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable or older individuals within their local community. The Social Value offer was widely shared among local organisations, resulting in numerous applications from various groups. An independent panel meticulously reviewed these applications and, after much deliberation, selected Southwick Research Education Arts and Culture Home (REACH) as the recipient of the donation.
Southwick REACH is a community organisation based in Southwick, Sunderland. It is committed to facilitating and co-producing arts and cultural activities that resonate with the interests of local residents. The organisation primarily serves older people, including retirees and couples where one partner has been diagnosed with dementia. Southwick REACH's mission is to combat loneliness and isolation while enhancing the health and wellbeing of the local community in Southwick.
The community of Southwick faces significant challenges, including high levels of deprivation and a higher than national average older population experiencing poor physical and mental health outcomes. By bringing local people together to build relationships, share experiences, and improve their emotional wellbeing, Southwick REACH strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the Southwick community. This £200 donation from Compac will support Southwick REACH in its efforts to enrich the lives of its members and the broader community.
How the Donation was used
Southwick REACH used the donation to hire Sunderland Community Transport, allowing members to visit the East Durham Artist Network (EDAN) 'Shifted' exhibition. This exhibition featured Southwick REACH as guest artists, celebrating women's roles in mining, culture, and politics. Many members are from mining families and enjoyed sharing memories, stories and lived experiences of the 1984 - 1985 miners' Strike from which they created artistic responses.
Due to the members' age and mobility issues, public transport was not a viable option. The hired transport enabled them to travel together with artists and the project leader, fostering a sense of community as they experienced the pride of seeing their work displayed publicly for the first-time outside Sunderland. Additionally, the donation will also fund the purchase of art materials, supporting Southwick REACH's ongoing Friday afternoon creative sessions.
Feedback from members:
"Without the grant you awarded to Southwick Reach I would not have been able to visit the EDAN exhibition which the group took part in. My impaired mobility stops me climbing on to and off public transport, but Southwick Reach members are always there with a helping hand."
"My weekly visits to Southwick Reach are a Godsend. Another member gives me lifts and attending is a highlight of my week as I rarely get out otherwise. Although I am not a skilled artist, I enjoy our workshops and they have opened up new skills and experiences. An important part of attending is meeting and talking to other people as I am alone far too much. Without funding from grants the meetings could not continue and my well-being would suffer."
"I have loved all the sessions and the visit to EDAN was so brilliant, seeing the different perspectives of other artists in that group. It was an opportunity I would never have had!"
"It was wonderful to travel to the EDAN exhibition as a group, we shared our problems, experiences, and joys. Also, it was great to discuss the fantastic exhibits on the way home."
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