ASH Drywall Partners with Annan School for Sustainability and Skills Development

Posted by ASH Drywall

We're pleased to announce a new partnership that underscores our commitment to both environmental responsibility and community enrichment. ASH Drywall is now collaborating with Annan School, a local independent primary school in East Sussex, to provide a continuous supply of wooden pallets.

These pallets, which would otherwise be discarded as waste outside of any returns loop, are finding a valuable second life at Annan School. Staff are ingeniously repurposing them as raw materials for the children's woodworking classes, giving young learners hands-on experience and the satisfaction of building. The pallets are also being transformed into exciting new playground features and other outdoor facilities for the children.

Creative Projects Taking Shape

We're excited to share a glimpse of what the students have already created. Take a look at these fantastic projects: a Bug Hotel, a multi-layered habitat providing shelter for insects and fostering biodiversity education, and a Mud Kitchen, an imaginative play area where children can explore textures and engage in sensory play.

 

You can also see the children enjoying the projects by following these links;

This initiative is a true win-win. It significantly boosts our sustainability credentials by diverting waste from landfills and giving these materials a permanent, useful function. Beyond that, and perhaps even more importantly, it addresses the industry's underlying skills crisis. By introducing local children to core skills like woodworking, we hope to inspire a new generation of workers and contribute to the future talent pool of our industry.

We're incredibly proud to support Annan School in their educational endeavors and look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of this partnership on both the environment and the development of future skilled individuals.

ASH Drywall Partners with Morgan Sindall to Support The Ledward Centre

Posted by ASH Drywall

ASH Drywall Partners with Morgan Sindall to Support The Ledward Centre

ASH Drywall is proud to announce our collaboration with Morgan Sindall Construction on charitable improvement works at The Ledward Centre in Brighton. This initiative perfectly aligns with ASH Drywall's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, which emphasises supporting the local communities where we live and work.

The Ledward Centre's mission to be “A safe and inspiring place for LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies" deeply resonates with our values. We believe in creating inclusive environments and are thrilled to contribute to a space that provides such vital support and resources.

We extend our sincere gratitude to British Gypsum Saint-Gobain for their generous contribution of materials, supplied free of charge for this project. Their support, combined with ASH Drywall's complimentary labour and additional sundry materials, makes this project possible.

The improvements will include the development of new collaboration spaces, a café, and enhanced welfare facilities. We are confident these additions will be highly valued and utilised by the local community, while also creating valuable new revenue streams for The Ledward Centre for many years to come.

ASH Drywall is committed to making a positive impact, and we are excited to see the benefits this project will bring to The Ledward Centre and the wider Brighton community.

ASH Drywall Delivers Effective Qualitative Face Fit Test Training

Posted by ASH Drywall

ASH Drywall Face Fit Testing Training for Supervisors

Respiratory hazards remain a significant threat in the UK construction industry, with dust exposure leading to debilitating and often fatal lung diseases.

Ensuring the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is paramount, and qualitative face fit testing plays a crucial role in verifying a proper seal. By empowering our ASH Drywall Supervisors to conduct these tests, we can significantly improve worker safety and compliance.

Why Focus on Supervisors?

Our ASH Drywall Supervisors are the lynchpin of on-site safety. They have direct contact with operatives, understand the specific hazards present, and can readily implement safety procedures. Equipping them with the skills to perform face fit testing offers several advantages:

  • Increased Accessibility: On-site testing eliminates reliance on external providers, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
  • Enhanced Compliance: Supervisors can ensure consistent testing practices and address issues promptly.
  • Improved Safety Culture: Demonstrates a proactive approach to worker health, fostering a culture of safety.
  • Immediate Feedback: Supervisors can provide immediate feedback and guidance to operatives regarding mask fit.

Key Elements of Effective Training:

The comprehensive ASH Drywall qualitative face fit testing training programme for supervisors encompasses the following:

Understanding Regulatory Requirements:

  • Familiarisation with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations and Approved Code of Practice L5.
  • Knowledge of HSE guidance on RPE selection and fit testing (e.g., HSG53).
  • Understanding the importance of record-keeping and documentation.
Read more

Combe Valley Hospital, Bexhill-on-Sea

Posted by ASH Drywall

ASH Drywall is a proud collaborator on the Combe Valley Hospital project in Bexhill-on-Sea, alongside Kier and the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This new £60m facility, part of the Re-designing Inpatient Services in East Sussex (RIS:ES) Programme, will replace outdated mental health services in Eastbourne. 

ASH Drywall is contributing to the construction of this state-of-the-art 57,393 sq. ft. hospital, which will feature three 18-bed wards with private ensuite bathrooms and offer a therapeutic environment for patients. The hospital will also provide outpatient services and training facilities.

 

 

ASH Drywall Supporting Falcons Inline Hockey Club

Posted by ASH Drywall
ASH Drywall are pleased to announce we are providing sponsorship to the Falcons Inline Hockey Club.
 
Based at ‘My Skate World’ in Eastbourne the Falcons is home to a diverse group of players, from eager beginners taking their first strides on wheels at 8 years old to seasoned veterans with years of experience on the rink. 
 
Regardless of background or ability, every Falcon is supported to reach their full potential, guided by a team of dedicated coaches who bring not only expertise but an infectious passion for the game.
 
Training sessions are held Mondays and Wednesdays in preparation for home and away matches.
 
The Falcons provide facilities and equipment so the new sponsorship from ASH Drywall goes a long way to keep the team flying!

 

ASH Drywall Supports Ukrainian Action

Posted by ASH Drywall

ASH Drywall have donated a minivan to Ukrainian Action, a UK charity run by over 40 volunteers dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine. They have sent a total of 66 humanitarian aid convoys from the UK to Ukraine including 334 vehicles delivered by a team of more than 350 volunteer drivers. 

Ukrainian Action regularly send convoys of donated vehicles filled with humanitarian and medical supplies to the country, to support local reconstruction and healthcare projects.

The minivan donated by ASH Drywall joined Convoy 66 making it’s way from Devon to Poland for handover and then onwards to the east of Ukraine to provide supplies to civilians who have been displaced by the war. The following update video was sent by Jeff Hartman who founded Ukranian Action and our minivan can be seen in the background.

Ukrainian Action says:

“Big thanks to our supporters in the UK for helping to bring aid to victims of war. Slava Ukraini! Together we will win!” 

https://www.ukrainianaction.com

 Below are a few images sent to us of Convoy 66.

A Thrilling Team Away Day at TeamSport E-Karting

Posted by ASH Drywall

ASH Carting 2024 v1

ASH Drywall recently held a fantastic annual team awayday on Friday, 18 October 2024 at TeamSport E-Karting in Crawley. The event was a welcome opportunity for the ASH Drywall team to bond, have fun, and let off some steam outside of work.

The ‘ASH Drywallers’ were split into two racing groups and the competition was fierce from start to finish. Racing on the 750M multi-level circuit complete with pitlane, breath-taking straights and challenging tight bends, the adrenaline was pumping as the very rapid electric powered karts zoomed around the track.

Hurtling around in full racing mode indoors at up to 40mph was a great way to celebrate the team's achievements!

Here are the podium finishers for each group:

Group 1:

  • First Place: Mike Jones
  • Second Place: Damien Gregory
  • Third Place: John Abnett

Group 2:

  • First Place: James Symmons
  • Second Place: Leanne Guy
  • Third Place: Paul Sumpter

ASH Carting 2024 v2 

Group One left to right: Damien Gregory, Mike Jones and John Abnett.

ASH Carting 2024 v3

Group Two left to right: Leanne Guy, James Symmons and Paul Sumpter.