Shortly after 3am on a bitterly cold Monday morning, the residents of Welbourn House were jolted awake by the alarm system, as smoke quickly engulfed their home. With little time to spare, Support Worker Sammy Chumba sprang into action, guiding the four residents, still in their pyjamas outside and to the neighbours’ property. Their home was quickly destroyed by a fire.
Needing a place to stay Rise reached out to its friends at Activ Foundation, known for their unwavering commitment to the community. Without hesitation, Activ responded with compassion and generosity, offering a spacious 5-bedroom property for the men until new accommodation could be found.
Esther and Kim, dedicated members of the Activ team, worked tirelessly alongside Rise to ensure the property was prepared and furnished with the essentials. From cutlery to cups, cereal to dinner, they made sure the men would feel at home in their new surroundings.
The seamless cooperation and support between Rise and Activ amazed Angela Jeffrey, Rise's Senior Coordinator. Overwhelmed by gratitude, she expressed, "They are just really lovely. They made sure we had everything we needed. It was really easy for us to move in. It's great that different organisations come together and help one another during stressful times—to have that relationship where we can support one another."
Rise extends a heartfelt thank you to Activ Foundation. Their swift response and unwavering support made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the fire. Activ's presence in the community serves as a reminder that, in times of crisis, compassionate individuals and organisations can achieve great things when we work together.