Microsoft volunteer to transform National Autistic Society Surrey Autism Resource Centre

A team from Microsoft recently took part in a volunteering day in July 2023 at the National Autistic Society’s Surrey Autism Resource Centre. Incredibly, the team took on the challenge of transforming five rooms in one day.

Microsoft sourced paint and materials from Partners; Crown Paints, Dulux Decorator Centre and IKEA.

The rooms receiving the makeover provide a range of different services. Stonepit Close is a residential service in Godalming, Surrey, for autistic adults. It is designed with two houses that are specifically for autistic people and the staff are highly trained. So, it’s an ideal environment for individual’s to thrive and become more self-sufficient.

Bedroom before

Bedroom after

The team’s brief from Leighton Carter the Deputy Manager was to change the rooms from their previous décor of green and off white, to a bright welcoming environment. Leighton said –

“It would be lovely to turn one room that is currently a dumping ground into a staff room. This is to support staff having a time-out from the stresses of this job. Currently, if staff feel overwhelmed or need some space there is nowhere to go for them to decompress or just have a moment alone or to talk to someone. A peaceful room would be and ideal.”

Microsoft were unfazed by their DIY-in-a-day challenge, and they set to work. By the end of the day all five rooms were transformed!

Staff room before

Staff room after

Paul Fox from Microsoft said –

“We completed the Volunteering Day in Godalming yesterday, 5 rooms refreshed for the centre, a good day was had by all. We were so grateful for the opportunity and the community spirit from local companies who also helped make it happen. It was a challenging day but we know it will support so many.”

Leighton said –

“Thank you all so much from the bottom of our hearts - the house now looks strikingly like a home instead of a residential environment.”

Gul Collis, Service Manager at Surrey Autism Resource Centre said –

“I would like to thank everyone who put so much effort into making our house look beautiful.

All of you are so kind, the rooms are looking so lovely, especially the staff room and library. We all want to spend time in there.”

Microsoft have supported National Autistic Society in so many ways. The residential accommodation can continue to deliver personalised support that enables individuals to develop a full and independent life, by increasing their skills, confidence, and offering access to activities that interest them.

The teamwork with families and care managers to plan for a decrease in support provided to residents over time. Once agreed outcomes have been achieved, next steps can include the resident moving into supported living services in the local area.

We want to thank Microsoft & their Partner’s for their amazing support and generous donations, the rooms are so inviting and bring a home from home feel which staff and residents can enjoy.

Would you like your business to be the next one to make a real impact on peoples lives? Get in touch with our corporate team today!