The Big Yellow Self Storage facility on Lenton Lane in Nottingham, England, is providing free storage space to the Clifton Open Group, a community organization that aids children with special needs, to store the camping equipment it uses for member excursions. Until now, the group has been meeting and storing its gear at the Green Lane Community Centre in Clifton, England. However, the center is undergoing refurbishing, and it’s unclear if the organization will have access to the space. Group leader Barbara Green, 60, of Colesbourne Close in Clifton has made a public appeal for new accommodations.
"We're not sure whether we're going to be able to meet at the community center while the refurbishment is ongoing,” Green said. “It also means I can't put out an appeal for new members. Where do I tell them to go? I'm passionate about this group and am determined that it should continue."
Founded eight years ago, the Clifton Group includes about 40 children between ages 14 and 19 who have learning disabilities, autism and other special needs. It aims to help them learn life skills such as cooking and camping, gain independence, and work toward their bronze, silver or gold The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a youth achievement honor.
"It's hugely important to get them out of their comfort zones and learning things they wouldn't necessarily learn in school. A lot of them are very quiet when they start, but we see them grow in confidence. Having the Duke of Edinburgh Award is also hugely important to employers,” Green told the source.
"We hope this will help the group focus their time on other things, so they can carry on their work with children,” Tom Hayward, a Big Yellow facility manager, told the source. “We always like to help charities and community groups as best we can. I did the Duke of Edinburgh Award myself and remember some great times, so it's brilliant to be able to help.”
Big Yellow Self Storage is the operating brand for Big Yellow Group PLC. The company operates 77 self-storage locations in the United Kingdom under the Big Yellow Self Storage and Armadillo Self Storage brand names, with most concentrated in Greater London. The portfolio comprises 4.6 million square feet.
Sources:
- Nottingham Post: Wanted: Room With a View to Helping Teens
