Opening up a fire exit enhances lives at the Ron Short Centre

The rear entrance of the building has been refurbished and upgraded to create a new area for social events, gardening and improved access to the enabling technology at the centre, so all members can enjoy the space regardless of their level of mobility.

A team from EKA Ltd carried out the work pro bono.

‘My mother was affected by epilepsy and has sadly passed away and I have close family members and friends also impacted by disability and long-term illness,' said EKA chairman Armands Starpenieks.

'I deeply empathise with how debilitating disability and illness can be for individuals and their families.

‘After seeing the improvements needed at the Ron Short Centre, I just had to help with their incredible work. We at EKA are supporting the centre with materials and work teams to refurbish and reinstate the back entrance to the Enabling Technology suite and the garden and BBQ area, which had fallen into disrepair and badly needed access improvements. It was just the right thing to do.’

A paved pathway has been installed to improve wheelchair access from the road and safer access to the development office.

Outdoor furniture has been repaired and planters constructed, and a small garden shed was donated by Norman Piette.

The charity’s managing director Rob Harnish said that the team from EKA had completely renewed the space.

‘We were amazed to see the team working all daylight hours, even over the weekends, to complete the project efficiently and to a very high standard,’ he said.

‘The dedication of the team has not only made a huge difference to the accessibility of our facilities and to the appearance of the building, but it has opened up new ways to make life better for everyone who attends the centre.’

The charity operates as UnLtd and creates work and training opportunities for those often excluded from open employment. It has about 60 full-time daily members.