NIGHTSAFE has announced their first ever corporate patron.

Blackburn-based professional cleaning company, Hoze It, has pledged £1,200 a year to the youth homeless charity and is helping some of the residents to gain valuable life skills.

Owner and former police sergeant Paul Schofield, said: “We have spent similar amounts of money in the past to advertise, and we did get some publicity, but when I heard that for the same donation each year we could feed everyone who attends Nightsafe’s Day Centre for a year it didn’t require any thinking about.

“We’re delighted to be the first Nightsafe corporate patron and we hope lots of other businesses follow suit. There are tax benefits when businesses make charitable donations, but for me it’s about helping the more vulnerable people in our society and that warm glow you get when you help others.

“I’ve been fortunate to meet some of the young people Nightsafe supports and they’re just children and young people with tragic circumstances who need someone to give them a helping hand.”

The Nightsafe Corporate Patron scheme offers three different membership packages – bronze, silver and gold, ranging from £600-£1200 a year – each with different benefits on offer to the businesses.

Paul and his team have been working with one of Nightsafe’s residents to help teach him transferable skills. He has been gaining work experience with the company – learning how to use equipment such as strimmers, mowers and jet washers, all while building his confidence and social skills.

Paul said: “The work experience is giving him a sense of purpose and all we ask is that they are willing to learn.

“We are keen to work with more people who would benefit from this kind of support, as well as link up with potential partners such as Councils and other charities.”

Hoze It are an external cleaning provider, cleaning gutters and jet washing surfaces. They also carry out garden maintenance, as well as offering gritting services and PAT testing.

Jan Larkin, Nightsafe CEO, gave a heartfelt thanks to Paul and his team for their ongoing support.

She said: “We are so grateful that Paul from Hoze It has signed up to become a corporate patron. He has already become part of the Nightsafe family, helping to alleviate the plight of homelessness and poverty among young people in East Lancashire.”