Corporate Partners unite to refresh welfare accommodation for serving personnel 

24 February 2026

Corporate partners from across the private sector recently came together to refresh and redecorate a number of welfare flats, helping to create warm, comfortable spaces for serving personnel receiving medical treatment, including chemotherapy.

Organised by Michele Turner-Everett, Aaron Flemons and Kate Hodgson, the two-day initiative took place on 27 and 28 January.  A total of 71 volunteers gave their time to support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity - with 43 volunteers on day one and 28 on day two - working alongside teams from partner organisations to repaint interiors, refresh communal areas and add thoughtful finishing touches.

The flats provide short-term accommodation for members of the armed forces community. The refurbishment ensures the spaces are welcoming, dignified and comfortable for personnel and their families during what can be an extremely challenging period.

The project was undertaken by teams of corporate volunteers from Landmarc, PallEx, Aramark, Babcock, BAE Systems, NTT Data, and SoftCat. Paint was purchased thanks to donations of £500 from Landmarc and £250 from BAE, with the SSAFA Serving Community Team also contributing £500 towards project costs. 

Additional generous support included:

• Hugh Jordan providing 24 mugs, tea, coffee and sugar sets, and placemats with coasters 
• Numatic (an Aramark supplier) donating three brand new vacuum cleaners - one for each flat 

Volunteers worked collaboratively and at pace to ensure the accommodation was updated quickly and with care.  Personal touches were added by Volunteer Chair Michele Turner-Everett, helping to create a homely environment for those staying in the flats.

Kate Hodgson, SSAFA, said: "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all volunteers who generously gave their time to paint the accommodation.  The volunteers’ efforts have helped create calm, welcoming spaces at an incredibly difficult time. Their compassion and commitment have made a meaningful difference to those staying there."
 
The refreshed welfare flats will continue to provide supportive, dignified accommodation for those who need it most, reinforcing a shared commitment to comfort, compassion and community wellbeing.