Colne company becomes founding partner of new homelessness support scheme
A Colne security and systems specialist has become the first founding member of a new business partnership scheme aimed at tackling homelessness, domestic abuse and mental health challenges in East Lancashire.
Positive Action in the Community (PAC), which is based in Nelson, officially launched its new IMPACT CLUB initiative on February 15. The scheme is designed to bring together businesses of all sizes to provide long-term, sustainable support for the charity’s frontline services.
Colne-based GB Integrated Systems (GBIS) has signed up as the first Founding Diamond Ambassador – the highest level of membership within the tiered patronage scheme.
The IMPACT CLUB aims to bridge the gap between statutory funding and increasing demand for support services, enabling companies to contribute directly to projects such as SafeSpace, which provides accommodation for homeless young people, and the Be Free project, which supports women, families and children affected by domestic abuse.
Scott Earing, director of GB Integrated Systems, said:
“Based in Colne, GB Integrated Systems (GBIS) is a trusted provider of Fire, Security, Communications, Audio Visual, and Automation systems. Our experienced team delivers tailored solutions for both residential and commercial clients by taking the time to understand individual requirements, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and value for money.
We are proud to partner with PAC, a local charity making a positive difference within our own community. PAC supports individuals facing significant challenges, including youth homelessness, domestic abuse, and emotional well-being struggles. As a Founding Diamond Ambassador of the IMPACT CLUB, we are committed to supporting a local organisation whose work has an immediate and meaningful impact, ensuring help is available at critical moments, from preventing young people from sleeping on the streets to helping families find safety and stability close to home.”
As a Diamond Ambassador, GBIS has pledged significant financial backing as well as a year of close collaboration to help represent PAC within the wider business community.
Claire Bennet, chief executive of Positive Action in the Community, said: “GB Integrated Systems has been a significant supporter of PAC for many years, and we are humbled that they have chosen to come on board as our Founding Diamond Ambassador. We hope that GBIS’s commitment will raise the profile of PAC and the IMPACT CLUB in the wider business community.
“We are seeking more like-minded businesses to come forward and support PAC on its mission. The IMPACT CLUB is designed to be accessible for all businesses that want to support us, from sole traders to SMEs and large corporation; there is a level of patronage that suits everyone. joining the IMPACT CLUB gives direct support to our services which provide specialist help on an individual basis to empower people to build emotional resilience, improve their health and wellbeing, make positive choices, and to have fulfilled and independent lives.”
PAC provides supported accommodation for young people, a domestic abuse refuge and community support, counselling services for schools and the wider community, and youth club provision.
Businesses interested in joining the IMPACT CLUB can find out more at www.p-a-c.org.uk/impact-club.