Chiswick Charity Praised By Prime Minister

CRASH gets Big Society award for work with homeless

Two members of a Chiswick-based charity were guests at a Downing Street reception to celebrate being amongst the winners of the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award after being recognised for their work with homelessness charities throughout the UK.

Francesca Roberts of CRASH and Emma Brophy (2nd from right) with the PM

Since it was founded in 1996 by former Chiswick resident Tony Denison, CRASH (Construction Relief & Assistance for Single Homeless) has developed partnerships across the construction and property industry to build and refurbish emergency night shelters, hostels and day centres, helping companies to provide more than money to charities on the frontline of the fight against homelessness.

Held in the state rooms at 10 Downing Street, the occasion provided the opportunity for CRASH’s Francesca Roberts and Emma Brophy (pictured) to explain first hand to David Cameron how, through bespoke partnerships across the construction and property industry, the charity is able to build and refurbish emergency night shelters, hostels and day centres, empowering companies to provide more than money to charities on the frontline of the fight against homelessness.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The innovative approach CRASH takes harnesses the world-class skills and products of our construction industry to tackle the issue of homelessness. This Big Society Award recognises the remarkable achievements of everyone involved.”

CRASH Chief Executive Francesca Roberts said: “We are thrilled and proud that the work of CRASH has been recognised by the Prime Minister. CRASH is the big society in action; the charity lies at the heart of the construction and property industry and is the conduit by which the companies and their employees can practically put something back to help communities across the UK.

“This award honours the people and the companies who do so much to share their expertise, time and skill to help homeless people. CRASH is all about sharing what you are naturally good at and sharing of ourselves is what charity is all about.”

Tony Denison, who died in 2013, was founder of the charity which he originally set up in the garage of his house in Staveley Road. He lived for many years in Chiswick and the charity is still based here, having moved to offices on Heathfield Terrace.

February 4, 2015