As part of its community commitment, the family-owned construction firm, Jehu Group, has invested more than £8,000 of materials refurbishing the local Glan yr Afon Food Bank, run by The Trussell Trust, which has seen the Carmel Church hall be transformed into a safe and efficient space for volunteers and those who use it.

The works formed part of Jehu’s community commitment, and the Food Bank refurbishment included the removal of the stage area, as well as the related electrics, and saw 15 Jehu workers rebuild the Food Bank storage area, with a new dividing wall giving a better organised storage area, with easy access to the weighing scale. The work took 23 days in total.

The Trussell Trust was the construction firm’s chosen charity for 15 months – ending in April 2019 – and saw the company raise more than £18,000 to support the work of Food Banks in South Wales.

Rene Jehu, Chairman at Jehu Group said:

“As we head into the festive period, the Glan yr Afon Food Bank is doing an incredible job, and we have seen the positive work that it is doing supporting the local community. Therefore, it was clear to us that the refurbishment was needed to make it a practical working space, so they can continue to do what they do.

“As a responsible business, we are committed to the local communities where we deliver development projects. Thank you to everyone who donated their time and materials.”

The refurbishment project is linked to the redevelopment, by Jehu, of the former Glanafan comprehensive school, located in Port Talbot’s town centre, which saw Coastal Housing Group build 47 affordable homes, as well as retail units.

Peter, secretary to the food bank’s management group, commented:

“We’re very grateful to Jehu for all of the hard work that they have done, which has created a space for us that makes life so much easier for the food bank. We’re receiving wonderful donations for this Christmas period and the work that Jehu has done has certainly helped us deal with all of the donations.”

Jehu and Coastal worked closely together during the course of the development and together implemented a recruitment and training plan, which saw 12 unemployed people receive training, 19 individuals gained qualifications and there were eight employment opportunities.

Roger Williams, Chair of Coastal Housing added:

“We’re really pleased that with our community benefit and development partners, Jehu, that we were able to support the refurbishment of the food bank. At this time of the year, more than anything, it’s so important that people are able to have a good Christmas, so we’re absolutely thrilled that we have been able to be a part of this project.”