Coffee machine manufacturer brews support for ambitious charity building project

Espresso and cappuccino coffee machine manufacturer Fracino has helped kit out a Blackpool-based young carers centre which has been renovated by DIY SOS: The Big Build BBC Children in Need Special.

The Birmingham-based business has donated one of its flagship espresso machines, the Velocino, to the young carers centre which provides support for young carers, some as young as five. The renovation will be documented on the show, airing in mid-November where viewers will see the transformation of the carers centre from a run-down, neglected Victorian house, into an inspiring and homely base for young carers.

The property is owned by Blackpool Carers Centre, a charity which receives BBC Children in Need funding to provide out-of-school respite and training activities as well as peer support for young carers.

As well as providing a coffee grinder, water filter, milk fridge, barista kit, cups and glasses, the Fracino team has volunteered to install the machine and train staff at the centre.

TV presenter and home style consultant Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen designed the project which has involved over 250 local volunteers spanning bricklayers, gardeners, tea-makers and coffee machine manufacturer.

MD of Fracino, Adrian Maxwell, said: “It’s tremendous to contribute to such a brilliant cause which is helping young carers to reach their potential. We’re avid watchers of the programme which demonstrates the true British spirit and has seen the community come together to donate time, resources and materials for this inspiring venture.”

Michelle Smith, CEO of Blackpool Carers Centre, added: “We sincerely thank DIY SOS, BBC Children in Need and everyone else that has been involved. We are astonished by the efforts of the team, people who have donated materials and volunteers; the support has been beyond what we could have ever imagined. This renovation will enable us to help improve the lives of more children and young people with caring responsibilities who are in need of our support both now and in the years to come.”