PETERBOROUGH-based publisher Bauer Media has invested in the homeless shelter The Peterborough Time Stop by opening ‘The Bauer Lounge’, a fully renovated relaxation zone within the building for those most in need. The venue provides immediate temporary accommodation for up to 22 homeless people between the ages of 16 and 26 in the Peterborough area. The centre offers not only accommodation but also support and counselling.

While the kitchen area was recently renovated, the communal lounge and dining area was tired and old, with mismatched furniture. It is the hub of the hostel and desperately needed a facelift.

Lynn Hodson and Leanne Patterson from Bauer Media took on the challenge and negotiated with local companies for items of furniture and tradesmen to renovate the lounge. They redecorated the room, laid new flooring and installed a new flatscreen TV and stand. They also added two leather sofas, tub chairs, a new dining room table and eight chairs, new framed pictures for the walls and, finally, two desks with Apple computers. Residents also now enjoy a monthly delivery of various Bauer Media magazines from Grazia, heat and Closer to Motorcycle News, Car, Garden News and Today’s Golfer. The estimated cost of the renovation is £7000.

Lynn and Leanne are proud of what they achieved and the YMCA, residents and staff are thrilled with the new ‘Bauer Lounge’. Jonathan Martin, CEO at the YMCA, said “what an incredible difference this has made to the residents and staff at Time Stop. It’s really lifted a tired and underused area. We’d like to say a massive thanks to Bauer Media and especially Lynn and Leanne.”

Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, Kiss, Grazia, Empire, TV Choice, Take a Break, Bella, Magic and Absolute Radio.