This Autumn, B&Q stores across the UK and Ireland are gearing up for their annual Community Days volunteering initiative through the Neighbourly platform. As part of the programme, store colleagues at every one of their 311 stores will roll up their sleeves to deliver an important DIY project for a local charity.
Each store will be providing volunteer teams as well as up to £1,000 of B&Q products needed to complete the project. From renovating community centres, to creating garden spaces, or improving facilities for those in need, B&Q’s employees aim to make a tangible difference and connect with the communities they operate in.
Since partnering with Neighbourly in 2019, employees at B&Q stores have supported over 2,000 local good causes. B&Q colleagues have provided over 200 volunteering hours with Blackpool & The Fylde Street Angels alone, a charity that helps make a positive impact to the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness, addiction or exploitation.
“The store team loves getting out into the community to give back and share some of our DIY skills. We’ve supported Blackpool and Fylde Street angels for our Community Day project for the last couple of years, they are an amazing charity. This year we’re helping to renovate the supported housing block, Angels Rest, to brighten up the communal spaces and make the place feel more homely”. Richard Cooper, store manager, B&Q Blackpool
B&Q also run their Community Reuse programme through Neighbourly, which sees stores donate surplus materials and products to their local community groups, charities and schools. The project works to reduce waste whilst helping out the community and those most in need, distributing 725 tonnes of surplus products to date.
“The initiatives are testament to B&Q’s commitment to social responsibility and highlights the power of community collaboration. By leveraging their skills and resources, B&Q colleagues are set to transform spaces and uplift communities, one project at a time”. Jo Curtis, community manager, B&Q
Steve Butterworth, Neighbourly’s CEO added: “We have been working with B&Q since 2021, helping them to support communities close to their stores across the UK. Their targeted local campaigns embody Neighbourly’s purpose, making effective use of surplus product, and donating time and money to enrich local communities.
Local good causes are the backbone of our neighbourhoods and with the support of businesses like B&Q, who believe in creating meaningful partnerships to build sustainable communities, they can continue their brilliant work”.
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