Customers and staff from Orbit East and Mitie have collaborated to refurbish a local community radio station in Great Yarmouth.
Over the last four weeks, eight volunteers from both Orbit East and Mitie have worked together to renovate Harbour Radio station as part of their community investment programme in the local area.
Prior to the renovation, Harbour Radio station looked tired and in disrepair. The volunteers have completely transformed the station, painting the entire station office, installing new plumbing work and fitting a kitchen.
In addition to their work at Harbour Radio, Orbit East and Mitie have delivered a wide variety of community projects in the local area, including work at the Orbit’s Ravelin House sheltered housing scheme, where five Orbit customers have obtained the Introduction to Computing Level 1 qualification.
The partnership between Orbit East and Mitie also benefits from a mutual apprenticeship programme. The programme means that at any one time eight apprentices are working for Mitie through the partnership.
Fiona Sharp, Community Investment Officer, Orbit East said: “We’re delighted that everyone was able to pull together and help renovate the radio station. I’m sure the whole community will benefit not just now, but also in the future. We are proud of Ben and his accomplishments through the apprenticeship training programme and wish him continued success. A big thanks to Mitie for all their support.
“We’re really pleased our customers at Ravelin House have achieved a qualification in using computers. As our world becomes more digital, we provide support for our customers to help them develop their online skills. Not only does this help them become more independent, but it also helps them get more involved in the wider community.”
Simon Kett, Community Investment Officer, Mitie said: “I’m so proud of what we have achieved here in four weeks. This has only been possible thanks to the great work of the Orbit East Community Investment team and local residents and volunteers.
“But it’s not just the renovation work at the local radio station, eight Orbit customers have gained valuable skills and qualifications, and the work of all the teams involved in community projects in the local area deserves to be recognised.”
Orbit East manages over 5,500 properties across the East including affordable homes for rent, leasehold and home ownership properties and sheltered and supported housing. Mitie is Orbit East’s responsive repairs partner and together, we are developing long term investment plans to improve the social, economic and environmental prospects of communities.