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A Silent Night for Young Mums in East Manchester

19th December 2007 — Christmas has come early for residents at a supported housing scheme for young mums in the North West. A surprise gift of £1,000 from local company Air Products will help Olivia Lodge of Clayton, East Manchester, spread the festive cheer by funding presents and a big children’s party.

Olivia Lodge is owned and run by Manchester Methodist Housing Association (MMHA), part of Great Places Housing Group, and houses young mothers aged between 16-25 years old with children under the age of five in 12 self-contained flats. The residents, who might otherwise be homeless, have their own homes at the project but 24-hour support is on hand.

Mothers learn life skills such as budgeting and cooking as well as parenting, before they are ready to move on to an unsupported tenancy. Fathers and partners are encouraged to play an active parenting role too.

Toni, who is mum to Katie Leigh and a resident at Olivia Lodge, said: “This is great, we don’t have lots of money to spend on presents and parties so Air Products’ donation will make sure this Christmas is one to remember. Plus there will be money left over to buy new equipment for Olivia Lodge that we can all share.”

Suzanne Meylan, operations manager for MMHA, said: “It’s really important for projects like Olivia Lodge to obtain support from local companies. Air Products’ donation – particularly at this time of the year – was a generous contribution and a fantastic surprise, which will help us make Christmas a great one for the mums and children who live there.

“We will also have enough money left to buy a sewing machine, material and related kit for the project ­ something the residents have been keen to see for a long time. ”

Meeting residents – many of whom are college students – as he toured the facility, Howard Lynn, Facilities Manager at Air Products’ Clayton plant, commented:

“We try and support our local area as much as possible and we are certain our £1000 donation will be used well by the people at Olivia Lodge. We were really keen to help them as they are an important asset to our community and provide an invaluable service for many young, families.”

About Great Places Housing Group

Great Places Housing Group owns and manages 14,000 homes across the North West and beyond, supporting some of society’s most vulnerable people. MMHA, its largest member housing association, has five teenage parent schemes across Manchester.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com .