Working with Homerton Perinatal Unit in Hackney, the participants of MITIE’s Real Apprentice scheme have taken time out of their 10 week programme to help to transform the unit’s facilities.

A unique facility for new mothers experiencing a range of mental health conditions, the Perinatal Unit can admit patients for up to six months. Serving multiple boroughs, not just Hackney, many children from a variety of cultures and languages regularly visit their mothers at the facility.

“Staff who observed and spoke with the Real Apprentices on the day were overwhelmed with gratitude for the work done, their cheerful but diligent air and the pride taken. Greeted by an entrance bringing colour, warmth and hope to those arriving for appointments they may otherwise be dreading, the women and their families who come to the unit are delighted with the results and feel the difference it makes to their experience in the unit,” commented Dr Liz McDonald, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Homerton Perinatal Unit.

A nature trail was introduced to the corridor leading to the clinical consulting rooms. With painted flowers and animals along the walls it’s now a cheery and welcoming place for parents to amuse children on arrival.

The second part of the challenge was a garden makeover. A Discovery Corner was created with safety tarmac and frog stepping stones leading to a painted pond with vibrantly coloured animals, flowers and trees around the wall. In addition, separated from the rest of the garden, there is now an area with brightly painted garden furniture where people can sit and enjoy the sunshine.

Jane James, employment regeneration director for MITIE, who organised the community day commented; “the Real Apprentice programme recognises individuals’ talent regardless of any physical, learning or mental health disability or social issue they may have. All the participants are long-term unemployed and a team building activity of this nature helps to further develop this aspect of the Real Apprentice Programme whilst delivering real value to local communities. I

n addition to the Real Apprentices and partners to the programme Job Centre Plus, Working for Wellness and Twining Enterprise; MITIE colleagues within Property Services, Landscaping, Asset Management, Group and Facilities Management all volunteered their services as well as providing some painting experts and a professional artist to help with illustrations.

Landscaping also donated compost and key plants whilst all the paint was generously provided by ICI paints.

For further information, contact:

Erica Lockhart, Investor, Public and Media Relations Manager
T: 020 3123 8675 M: 07979 784488, E: Erica.lockhart@mitie.com

Or visit www.mitie.com

Notes for editors

What is MITIE?
We’re the strategic outsourcing and asset management company.

What does that mean in practice? Providing everything from strategic consultancy, to world-class delivery on the ground. From long-term infrastructure planning, to facilities management, property and engineering services. Our strategic input can add value at the highest level, while our practical management expertise can save customers money and maximise their returns.

At the same time, it’s not just what we do, but how we do it that makes us different. Our people are passionate about what they do, committed to working in partnership with their clients, and will always look for a fresh answer to a new challenge.

We work with our clients in three ways; some take full advantage of our whole range of expertise by buying the whole suite, others may only need one aspect of what we do:

Strategy and consultancy

+ Facilities and project management

+ Service delivery

In other words, we think, we manage, and we deliver.

The thinking phase is all about finding strategic answers to long-term challenges about assets and resources. Facilities and project management puts those plans in place, and our unrivalled range of services is one of the best in the business.

There’s a lot more to MITIE than you probably think. We’re a big company with big ambitions - a leading FTSE 250 support services business, with more than 54,000 people, revenues in excess of £1.7bn, and a reputation for being the best