More than just a bench - for the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Chester is well-known for its inclusive support network, offering a range of services such as breakfast and lunch clubs, toddler groups and mental health and homelessness support sessions. The community hub has provided a safe space for individuals to relax, share stories and receive guidance. However, the removal of an old, dilapidated bench highlighted the importance of such spaces. The bench had served as a gathering point for locals, offering a place to rest, reflect and engage with others.

With the bench removed, a gap was felt within the community. Recognising this need, Sanctuary Housing and OCM collaborated and stepped in to help. OCM funded the installation of a new bench via Sanctuary’s Match My Project. This simple addition has now revitalised a space that holds real meaning for many local residents.

Gay Tonks, one of the organisers at the Salvation Army Chester, expressed his gratitude, highlighting the bench's significance: "When we had our old bench taken away due to safety reasons, we didn’t realise how many people actually used this space. It allows people to come and chat, take a break from a session if it’s got too much, or they need to take five. To others, it’s just a bench, but to us, it’s a space for our community to slow down for however long they need."

The new bench has quickly become a cherished spot, used by individuals from all walks of life. It’s not just a place to sit; it offers a quiet refuge where people can recharge or take a moment to themselves. As the Salvation Army continues its vital work with the local population, this simple addition of a bench enhances the community’s ability to support its most vulnerable members.

OCM’s involvement through Sanctuary’s Match My Project reflects the company's commitment to social responsibility. Steve Turberfield, Operations Manager at OCM, shared his thoughts on the project: "It’s important for us to support the communities where we operate. The bench might seem like a small thing, but it’s a vital part of this space where people come together. We’re proud to have played a part in restoring that."

The collaboration between OCM, Sanctuary Housing and the Salvation Army Chester is just one example of how partnerships can make a real difference in communities. Through Match My Project, suppliers are able to deliver meaningful contributions, enhancing the work of charities across the UK. The Salvation Army’s holistic approach to community support resonates with OCM’s values, making this a natural fit for collaboration.

Emily Scott, Social Value Development Officer at Sanctuary Group, explained the broader impact of the initiative: "Through Match My Project, we’ve been able to facilitate contributions that strengthen local communities. The new bench at the Salvation Army Chester is a great example of how even small projects can create a lasting, positive impact." Take a look at Emily’s LinkedIn post here.

More than just a bench, this small project has restored a vital space for the Chester community, offering a place to rest, reflect and reconnect. Thanks to the collaboration between OCM, Sanctuary’s Match My Project and the Salvation Army Chester, this simple piece of furniture has become a symbol of community spirit – and we’ve been delighted to support it.

More about how we repurpose and donate assets can be found here.