Thomas Howse Paints, a long-established business in Sandwell, has demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to the local community. With the support of Sandwell Business Growth, the company became the first business in the borough to take part in the Adopt a Youth Club initiative, partnering with Sandwell Council’s Youth Service to support Brickhouse Youth Club in Rowley Regis. This initiative aims to provide young people with safe, welcoming spaces where they can engage in activities, access resources, and receive essential support.
Supporting young people in Sandwell
Thomas Howse Paints first explored social value opportunities through Sandwell Business Growth, working closely with their account manager, Nicy Morgan, who introduced Garry Plant, General Manager, to Karen Richards, Social Value Officer, to help identify ways to support the local community. Initially, the company considered the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative to create work experience opportunities for young people. However, post-lockdown challenges meant schools were less engaged, leading the business to shift its focus towards community-led support, including food parcel donations to a nearby community hub.
When Adopt a Youth Club was introduced, it proved to be the perfect fit. In June 2024, Thomas Howse Paints made an initial donation of £250, which funded a new Smart TV for the youth club. This addition has significantly enhanced the club’s activities, allowing young people to play games, access the internet, and participate in educational sessions on crucial topics such as online safety and knife crime prevention.
Beyond financial contributions, Thomas Howse Paints employees have also been actively involved in supporting the youth club. Over the summer, the workforce contributed to a food parcel donation, further strengthening their commitment to helping the local community.
A commitment to social responsibility
For Thomas Howse Paints, community support is more than just a policy – it’s a core mission. The company sees its role in Sandwell as not only a business but as a force for positive change. Speaking about their involvement in the initiative, Garry Plant General Manager, said:
“Seeing the money going directly to Brickhouse Youth Club and hearing how it is being used knocks us over. CSR is not a policy, it is a mission. We want to help the community we are in and do the very best of our ability, to encourage young people to improve their financial standing, contribute, and be heard.”
The company’s commitment to youth development is also reflected in its own workforce, where two young apprentice lab technicians have been thriving in their roles for over a year, gaining valuable skills and career opportunities.
Thanks from Sandwell Council
Russell Allen, Senior Youth Officer at Sandwell Council, expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support, saying:
“This fantastic company has so far donated the funds for a new Smart TV, helping us deliver more issue-based work, and provided support for the Warm Hub offer through the Winter, which allows us to provide young people with hot snacks and drinks. It has also enabled us to deliver an amazing Christmas party for the youth club and a reward activity which will take place in March 25. Huge thanks to Garry Plant and all of the staff at Thomas Howse Paints for their continued support for the club, and we look forward to continuing working together in 2025.”
Looking Ahead
Thomas Howse Paints has pledged to continue supporting Brickhouse Youth Club, with plans for ongoing contributions and engagement. Karen Richards, our Social Value Officer, added:
“Through the ‘Adopt a Youth Club’ initiative, Thomas Howse Paints is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, ensuring they have access to resources, opportunities, and a supportive environment.”
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