A NATIONAL security company is helping the homeless in Whitehaven.

Securitas has given homeless hostel Calderwood House a £5,000 donation, loaned a minibus and provided residents with warm outdoor gear.

It is also looking to give more support is in the future.

In a statement, the company said it was inspired by seeing the results of a £15,000 donation to a Birmingham homeless charity.

Calderwood House gives priority to ex-servicemen and women and with several ex-military employees, Securitas said it 'recognised both the impact of leaving the forces and the great potential these individuals offer'.

Shaun Kennedy, Securitas UKpresident, grew up in Cumbria and is aware that many of the region’s local communities have serious socio-economic problems.

He said: “We can’t solve the big issues, but by supporting Calderwood House we will help make life better for some.”

The £5,000 is being used to upgrade furniture and computer equipment.

Manager and founder Rachel Holliday said the use of a minibus for a year would make a huge difference: “It means we can take residents – and also some ex-residents – on day trips and outward-bound activities in the Lake District."

The minibus will also help residents fulfil the ‘Give back to the community’ element of the recovery programme, in which they participate in outdoor activities like gardening and litter-picking.

Securitas is now calling on local communities and businesses in Cumbria, and across the UK, to listen to Ascending, a charity single made by Securitas employees, and make a donation to support the work of the team at Calderwood House.  

To donate go to: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/securitas-song-for-the-homeless