Tuesday 12 November 2024 marked the official launch of Provide Equipment Hub, a newly established employee-owned organisation dedicated to improving community access to essential equipment and support services in Croydon and its surrounding areas.
Previously known as Croydon Community Equipment Service, this vital service was formerly part of Croydon Council and has now evolved into an independent mutual organisation. This transformation empowers its employees as employee-owners, with Provide Community as a key partner in delivering an enhanced, resident-centric service. The transition not only marks a new name, but also an elevated service model, geared toward delivering responsive, community-driven support.
Provide Equipment Hub is committed to streamlining access to community equipment and ensuring that residents can readily access vital tools for their health and wellbeing, including wheelchairs and independent living aids designed to meet a wide range of individual needs.
To celebrate their launch, Provide Equipment Hub hosted an event bringing together its 100 colleagues, representatives from Provide Community, and key stakeholders from Croydon Council, including Cllr Yvette Hopley, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, and Annette McPartland, Corporate Director for Adults, Social Care and Health. This event marked a significant step forward in Provide Equipment Hub’s mission to enhance service delivery and to support the wellbeing of residents.
Image, left to right: Ishbel Fraser, Finance Director (Provide Equipment Hub), Paul Kouassi Managing Director (Provide Equipment Hub), Cllr Yvette Hopley, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Croydon Council), Annette McPartland, Corporate Director for Adults, Social Care and Health (Croydon Council), Siobhan Morrison, Group Chief People Officer (Provide Community) and Philip Richards, Group Chief Finance Officer (Provide Community).
Paul Kouassi, Managing Director at Provide Equipment Hub, said: “This moment has been eagerly anticipated, and we are thrilled to officially introduce Provide Equipment Hub into our communities. While we continue to deliver the same trusted service, with the same dedicated team that our service users know from our time as Croydon Community Equipment Service, we are excited to re-launch as a mutual organisation with a refreshed brand. We are equally proud to now be part of the Provide Community family.
“Our goal is to offer not only equipment, but a supportive, accessible service that helps individuals and families navigate their health and wellness journeys with ease and independence.
“Today’s celebratory event, we have marked a significant milestone and we are looking forward to continuing to make a lasting, positive impact to our communities.
Provide Equipment Hub serves as a centralised point for equipment lending, assistance, and expert guidance, addressing a range of needs from wheelchairs and mobility aids to assistive devices. With an emphasis on prompt, effective support, Provide Equipment Hub ensures that service users have access to the right equipment to maintain their independence.
For more information visit: www.providequipmenthub.co.uk.
