Support for a family in need over the Christmas period

One of L&Q’s Major Works partners, Axis, provided vital support to a family over the Christmas period, bringing comfort and joy in their time of need.

As part of its Major Works investment programme, L&Q and its delivery partners are committed to delivering social impact alongside improvement works in residents’ homes and communities.

Axis colleagues were carrying out works at an L&Q resident’s home in Sidcup, which included building a single-storey extension and installing a wet room to better support a child with special needs.

To allow for the works to be carried out, the family had been temporarily relocated, meaning they would be spending the Christmas period away from their own home.

With the difficult circumstances they were facing, Axis colleagues wanted to find a way to support the family and spread some joy over the Christmas holidays.

The family urgently needed a buggy to help the mother manage day-to-day life while caring for their disabled son.

Through their foundation scheme, Axis provided the buggy, as well as custom boots to support him with practising walking and standing, and a new ottoman bed, offering additional storage for his equipment.

Wanting to go even further, Axis also donated toys for the family for Christmas day.

The resident said: “We were lucky to have Axis carrying out our works. They were so intentional and personal as they understood some of my difficulties.”

When the programme started, L&Q included social value it in contracts with partners.

Social value is now one of six targets within the programme and is led by L&Q’s Foundation, supported by its Community Development Leads who understand the needs of residents.

More investment is planned over the programme’s remaining twelve years.

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, said:

“It’s brilliant to see residents being supported beyond the improvements being carried out in their home.

“Axis’ work as part of the programme ensures residents have safe and comfortable homes. By stepping into help when they became aware of this family’s heartbreaking situation, they’ve shown how much of a difference going that extra mile can make for residents.”

Cristian Bagacian, Axis Site Manager, was closely involved in supporting the family. He said: 

“This project has been the closest to my heart since I joined Axis four years ago. I truly feel that we made a significant difference for the resident and her family. 

"When I spoke with Laura from L&Q and she shared the struggles the resident has been facing, I immediately felt that the right thing to do was to help in any way we could. Seeing the photos and videos Harvey’s mum sent of him enjoying his new room and his new buggy was incredibly rewarding. At that moment, I knew we had done the right thing.”