Hills support new Bobby Van

A brand-new Wiltshire Bobby Van will be working across the county to keep older and vulnerable people safe in their homes thanks to The Hills Group.

The company has sponsored a van being driven by the newest of the Devizes charity’s three operators, former Grenadier Guard Scott Roughley. The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust works in partnership with Wiltshire Police to offer and fit home security measures such a door and window locks, key safes and door chains for people over 60, those at risk of domestic abuse or over 18 with a registered disability. The service, which operates all across Wiltshire and Swindon, is completely free.

The 126-year-old company, which is based in Swindon, manages and recycles waste, produces essential construction materials and builds award-winning homes.

Communications and PR Officer Darren Goddard said although the sponsorship was selected by Hills’ charity committee, he had a personal reason for recommending it to them. He said: “Hills has a long history of supporting community causes. The focus is on giving money where it will have the most impact in the communities where we work.

“My dad, who is 83 and lives on his own, has Parkinson’s and the Bobby Van came out to do some work, including fitting new window locks and recommending a key safe.”

He said the visit had given him and the family some peace of mind. “Dad just felt vulnerable in his home, he didn’t want to move but he wanted the security of staying there,” he said. “The Bobby Van operator who came out was great with him and everything he did gave him reassurance.

“The Bobby Van stood out to us as a cause, and the fact that its work spans all corners of the county was another aspect that we particularly liked, so we are delighted to support this new van so that it helps many more people.”

Scott said the new van is making his job easier. He said: “It’s brilliant because it is kitted out like a mobile workshop so I’ve got everything I need on board to make peoples’ homes safe.

“I love the job and it’s amazing what a small thing like fitting new locks does for peoples’ confidence, so this van is just going to help with that.”

Bobby Van Director Jennie Shaw said support like Hills’ is vital to the charity. She said: “Each year we have to raise more than £400,000 to continue our vital service, so this gesture is very welcome and we are deeply grateful.

“Like all charities, we are facing the challenge of rising costs at a time when demand for our service continues to grow, which is why support like this is so important to us.”

She said the charity is keen to talk to more companies about van sponsorship. “It’s a great platform for a company because our vans are such a familiar sight all across the county,” she said. “They are so well recognised and because of the work they do they foster a lot of goodwill.”

Find out more about the work of the charity at wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk and about Hills at hills-group.co.uk.