1Spatial staff ready to get their hands dirty!

24 July 2009, 4:56pm

1Spatial is delighted to announce that a team of volunteers from the Cambridge office will be undertaking a Community Challenge day for the Cambridge Cyrenians homeless charity of Friday 31st July.

Cambridge Cyrenians have been providing accommodation and support to local, single homeless men and women for nearly 40 years. Present services provide a range of accommodation for over 60 homeless men and women, including two short-stay houses where residents are encouraged to take responsibility for their own lives. Since 1991 the charity has also been providing a citywide specialist mental health outreach service for those who are homeless and mentally ill, and specialist support for older homeless people.

1Spatial has a track record of participation in community projects, having previously constructed sensory gardens for the children at Meldreth Manor School in 2007 and, most recently, completing the 3 Peaks Challenge last year, raising almost £5000 for Cambridge charity ACT. This latest challenge will see staff from a range of disciplines getting their hands dirty to assist with a tree nursery and allotment programme which aims to improve people's quality of life, reduce social isolation and improve participant's mental and physical health.

The 30-strong team will be undertaking a variety of tasks to restore and improve the nursery and allotment facilities and environment including:

· Major overhaul and restoration of a number of outdoor areas

· Replacing and repairing guttering and water butts on sheds

· Planting saplings

· Edging and clearing walkways

· Constructing fencing

Brian Holman, Manager at Cambridge Cyrenians said:

"The support of 1Spatial's volunteers for Cambridge Cyrenians and local homeless men and women, in this very practical way, is very welcome. The results of their endeavours will be a visible reminder of their participation for all to see".

Michael Sanderson, CEO of 1Spatial added:

"I am delighted that so many people have volunteered to take part in this very worthy project. When we experience hard times it is even more important to give help where we can. The 1Spatial management team actively encourages participation in this kind of activity as it not only provides links to the local community in which we live, but also helps build a team ethic that contributes in our day to day workplace activities. In addition, this year we are delighted to be joined by some of our customers bringing an added partnership dimension to the day."

1Spatial is very grateful for the support already received from McDonalds on Newmarket Road, who will be getting the team off to a flying start with breakfast, and Thoroughbreads Coffee Bar on Cowley Road, who will be providing a fantastic picnic lunch to sustain the team for the second half of the day!

For more information about the challenge please visit the 1Spatial website at

1Spatial