More than 40 colleagues joined forces with residents to transform a homeless support centre in Lowestoft in September.

On 1^st March 2026, following the insolvency of Access Housing Trust, Orwell Housing took over the operation of Fyffe Centre and Phoenix House.

Located in Lowestoft, Suffolk, Fyffe Centre provides temporary supported accommodation for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness offering a safe place to stay.

Six months after taking over the service, Orwell colleagues joined residents for a volunteering day to help refresh and revive the centre. From painting and repairing furniture to building flower beds and improving outdoor spaces, teams worked together to give the building the care and attention it deserves.

With support from our skilled colleagues in Orwell Repairs Service, alongside our painting and Estates teams, the lounge, dining room, kitchen and garden areas were transformed. The improvements have created a brighter, more welcoming and uplifting environment for the people who call Fyffe Centre home.

Our CEO Wendy Evans-Hendrick said: “A fantastic group of volunteers from right across Orwell gave up their volunteer day today to help make Fyffe Centre a nicer place to be. Whether decorating, gardening, planting or carrying out repairs, everyone got involved in transforming the space into a more welcoming environment for residents.”

Reflecting on the transformation of the outdoor space, Terry, a resident at Fyffe Centre, said: “The staff are wonderful here. I’m very impressed with the facilities that are improving daily. The whole garden has been renovated, it looks like a totally different place, I’m very impressed. I feel secure and there’s facilities for encouraging each individual with their growth, mentally, physically and spiritually.”

The outdoor area has now been transformed into a tidier and more welcoming communal area for everyone to enjoy.

The project brought colleagues and residents together with a shared purpose, making a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people we support. By working as Team Orwell, we have created spaces that residents can be proud of and that better reflect a sense of home that Fyffe Centre provides.

To find out more about how Orwell supports people experiencing homelessness, visit: https://www.orwell-housing.co.uk/supported-housing-and-care/young-homeless-and-domestic-abuse-services/supporting-people-who-are-homeless/