HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, has supported Manchester-based employment and skills organisation YES, with a donation of decorative paint to help transform its community space and support its wider transformation.
As part of Yes’ project to renovate their original centre located in Newton Heath, the charity approached HMG Paints for support. The project has brought together volunteers from across the local area to help create an environment that is welcoming, positive and supportive for the people who access YES’s services.
Samantha Bridge-Tonner, Operations Manager at YES, said, “YES is a well-established and well-used community venue in the heart of North Manchester. We’re incredibly grateful to HMG Paints for their generous donation of paint to help us refresh our community venue.”
“At YES Manchester, our centre is much more than a building. It’s a place where people come for support, confidence, connection, opportunities and a sense of belonging. Thanks to HMG Paints’ kindness, we can create an even brighter, more welcoming space for the local people who walk through our doors every day.”
The existing space previously featured bright pink walls, reflecting YES’s branding. As part of the refurbishment, the team wanted to create a more calming and inviting environment while retaining a strong sense of colour and character.
With its long-standing connection to North-Manchester and the local community, HMG was pleased to support the project through a donation from its decorative paint range. The colours selected for the project come from HMG Paints’ Essential Colour Collection, a collection inspired by the history, landscape and character of Manchester.
Bringing a local connection to the new colour scheme, the team at YES selected Brook, a soft powder blue inspired by the brook running through HMG’s historic Collyhurst site, which was used alongside Irk Valley, a distinctive green-grey inspired by the River Irk.
The selected colours were applied over HMG Paints’ Contract Matt Emulsion, providing a obliteration coat for covering the existing pink walls and preparing the space for its new colour scheme. HMG’s Vinyl Matt emulsion was then used by the volunteers on walls and ceiling to renovate the rooms in the chosen colours.
HMG Paints have a long-standing history of supporting local charities, as well as assisting community groups and initiatives with a variety of paint donations, fundraising activities and volunteering.
“HMG Paints is proud to have played a part in supporting YES, helping to create a brighter, more welcoming space where individuals can continue to develop their skills, build confidence and work towards achieving their ambitions.” said Alyssia Thorburn of HMG Paints. “The project is another example of how HMG are able to support great charities and the work they do in the communities in and around our local area to make a real difference.”
The transformation of YES has also been supported by volunteers, whose time and effort have helped bring the project together and create a refreshed environment for the YES community.
“We love seeing local businesses give back to their communities, and this donation is a wonderful example of how working together can make a real difference and for communities to feel proud of their local space.” Samantha Bridge-Tonner from YES also added “From everyone at YES Manchester, thank you, HMG Paints, for helping us make our venue feel fresh, welcoming and ready for the future. We can’t wait to share the transformation with you all!”
About Yes Manchester
YES; an award-winning employment and skills charity, has been supporting the community across North Manchester and Greater Manchester for more than 10 years. The organisation, which works with unemployed and under-employed individuals, has helped their community access employment, providing one-to-one support from qualified advisers to help people access employment, volunteering and learning opportunities.
Through one-to-one support from qualified advisers, alongside digital skills sessions and courses delivered with partner organisations, YES has helped people develop the skills and qualifications they need to work towards their individual goals.
