Paragon Elevators gave their time and equipment for free to the Trauma Centre in Hull
A Hull charity which helps survivors of violence and abuse has been given a vital lift by a local business – quite literally. The Trauma Centre has been offering counselling and psychotherapy support for victims of abuse for the last eight years.
But for the last year its most vulnerable service users have not been able to tap into the counselling they so desperate need, because of a faulty lift, making it virtually impossible disabled people to visit their first floor offices. For months, the organisation has been trying to raise the funds needed to repair the elevator – a fundraising campaign which this week reached the ears of a business which could come to its aid.
When the charity’s plight recently came to light on a Facebook post, those who saw it used their network to reach out to Paragon Elevators, established in Hull eight years ago, which sent staff along almost immediately to fix the issue, free of charge. Carl Joyce, founder of Paragon Elevators, which has 25 staff, told how his firm got involved.
He said: “A friend of a friend had been advertising Hull City tickets and other things, to try and raise funds to mend a poorly lift. My friend Paul thought ‘ hang on, my friend Carl’s got a business that services and repairs lifts so I’ll get in touch with him and see if he can help!’.
“As a business we’re always trying to support charities, local events and football teams. I think it’s vitally important to give back to the community. I sent one of the guys in yesterday who was very familiar with the product, he found a major oil leak and flat batteries.
“So he replaced the batteries, topped it up with oil and is popping back today to check it. It’s all up and running now for them. It’s been left turned off for about 12 months. It’s tragic really that a trauma unit didn’t have the funds to have vital equipment repaired.
“They would have needed to raise a significant sum to mend it, but I said don’t worry, we’ll sort it for you. They said a massive thank you to the guys for sorting it out. I just think it’s really important in this day and age to give back any time you can.”
The centre’s founder, Denise McCunnell, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Paragon Elevators and Carl Joyce for stepping in to help us resolve the long-standing issue with our disability lift. Our lift is essential to our service.
“We are located on the first floor, and the high repair costs for the lift have posed significant barriers for disabled people, older clients, and those with mobility challenges. Without it, some individuals have been unable to access our counselling rooms and the safe, comfortable environment they offer.
“Disabled people are more than twice as likely to experience domestic abuse, and other traumas. When the lift is out of service, some of the most vulnerable members of our community cannot access the support they need. Repairing it restores dignity, access, and equality, allowing us to say that everyone can access our service confidently.
“As a charity reliant solely on grants and donations, the cost of repairing the lift was a significant challenge. Support from Paragon Elevators has made an immediate and tangible difference, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity and community spirit. Founded in 2017 as a voluntary organisation, The Trauma Centre now assists 200 clients a week. It ensures that survivors of trauma are not left to cope alone, providing help that is accessible, compassionate, and free at the point of need.
“The repair of the lift directly supports that mission. It highlights how powerful practical support from local businesses can be for charities on the front line, especially in the current challenging financial climate.”
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