Allied Office Machines have been supporting Southampton Special Purpose Workshop for the last ten years

Southampton Special Purpose Workshop (SSPW, www.sspw.co.uk) is the longest established private and independent day service provider for adults with special needs in Southampton. It was founded in 1993 by Jim Parker as an alternative to the traditional day services. The main workshop in Portswood is divided into four areas: woodwork, garage, craft and a canteen. The group also includes a farm in Durley and a shop in Woolston. 

SSPW always tries to find meaningful, useful and enriching activities for their clients. To help with one of these activities, Allied Office Machines donate all their old photocopiers to SSPW. The clients take part in the whole process where they come and collect the copiers, load them onto a trailer and take them back to their workshop. Here the equipment is stripped down and all metal components are prepared for recycling while the clients learn about the different types of metal and copier parts. Once completed, all the metal parts are sold to a scrap yard. 

This generates an income for the recreational fund, which is used to fund trips to museums and other fun activities chosen by the service users.  

Sean Parker, Service Manager at Southampton Special Purpose Workshop, commented: “We have been proud to provide the day service for the last twenty-five years and many clients rely on us. It was very difficult with Covid where we had to close our doors. We still offered doorstep visits, phone calls and activity packs as our service is vital for some of our vulnerable clients. It is great to be fully open again and provide the full range of services which enhance our clients’ lives.” 

Steve Drayson, MD at Allied Office Machines, added: “We are very happy to donate our old equipment to SSPW. It’s reassuring to know that the old upgraded equipment is not only put to good use but is also fully recycled and helps to fund the worthwhile activities for the clients of SSPW.” 

Photo – Jamie Paulton from Allied Office Machines and SSPW team


Allied Office Machines announce support for charity SSAFA

Hampshire-based specialists in Ricoh copier and print technology, Allied Office Machines, are continuing their ongoing support of their local community with a generous donation of £700.00 to SSAFA the Armed Forces charity.

Frankie Girardelli and Graham Robbins, Representatives of Allied Office Machines present Lawrence Ashbridge MBE, SSAFA Hampshire Awareness Officer and Patricia Lyons, Branch Chairman of SSAFA with donation.

Founded in 1885, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity provides lifelong support to our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. During 2016, SSAFA’s staff and team of volunteers helped over 67,000 people – from World War Two veterans to those involved in more recent conflicts and their families. The funding received from Allied Office Machines will be used to directly support SSAFA’s work with the military family in Hampshire.

Lawrence Ashbridge MBE, the SSAFA Hampshire Awareness Officer said: ‘We are so grateful to have received this generous funding from Allied Office Machines. Having served in the Regular Army for 30 years and now as a Reservist, I have first hand-experience of just how much the support of SSAFA can help our Armed Forces, veterans and their families – it all makes a huge difference.’

Francesca Girardelli, Representative of Allied Office Machines said: ‘We are delighted that Allied Office Machines are now an official SSAFA Friend in Hampshire, joining organisations including Hampshire NHS Hospitals Trust. Looking forward to the year 2018, this will have a real significance for the nation and the Armed Forces as it will mark the centenary of the end of WW1 and the whole Team wanted to help as we know what a significant difference the charity makes to Armed Forces personnel on a daily basis.’

Allied Office Machines have supported a number of local charities in the past few years, including the Jubilee Sailing Trust, Youth Options and Winchester Rugby Club.

To find out more about SSAFA Hampshire or to donate, contact The Secretary at: www.ssafa.org.uk/hampshire