'˜Spend it well' by volunteering time

Staff from Blackpool’s Marks & Spencer chose to help Vincent House on Furness Avenue, Grange Park, by transforming its neglected outdoor space as part of the store’s Spark Something Good Campaign.

Project host Michelle Townsend, from Marks and Spencer, said: “It was very challenging, there was rain on the first day.

“But everyone was fantastic. We had people from the Trinity Hospice ground team and Prince’s Trust as well as the residents of Vincent House themselves.”

All the workers were then rewarded with a barbecue in the new garden.

Michelle added: “It’s amazing how one project can bring a whole community together,

“We had a great time creating this garden; it will be fantastic for the residents and their families at Vincent House.”

Stephen Hall, 47, a support worker at the homeless centre, which is run by charity Caritas Care, believes the garden will benefit the residents.

He said: “ We cannot thank Marks & Spencer enough for everything they have done.

“The residents are so happy and the work brought people together.

“It was lovely seeing young children pitching in, wanting to help.

“It was an amazing week”.

Vincent House Homeless Centre provides supported accommodation to people affected by homelessness.

The facility offers 14 short stay beds for people aged 18 or over who are referred from Blackpool Council.

Last year 47 people were supported with 4,639 nights of shelter.

Michelle added: “We wanted to help Vincent House as myself and fellow Marks and Spencer staff believe the charity is fantastic.

“It has done so much to help the homeless”.