Pupils from St. Edward’s C of E Primary School in Castle Donington have recently helped to us donate three mattresses to homeless charity Emmaus Leicestershire and Rutland.

The donation follows a visit by the schoolchildren to our Castle Donington factory, where products for the hotel and hospitality industry are manufactured. The pupils, all aged 9-10, were tasked with helping to hand-craft three single mattresses by using natural, sustainable materials and traditional bed-making practices that have been used for over 100 years. The task was carried out as part of an exercise planned between the school and Hypnos to educate the children about sustainability and care in the community as well as the importance a good night’s sleep has on maintaining good health and wellbeing.

The mattresses, printed with a unique label detailing the collaboration, have now been donated by Hypnos and the school to the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of leading homeless charity, Emmaus. The mattresses will be sold by Emmaus, with proceeds going towards providing shelter and training facilities for homeless people in the area.

Chris Ward, Group Marketing Director at Hypnos, explains: “As a family-run business, sustainability and playing an active role within our community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to not only help educate the younger generation about the importance of sustainability and sleep, but also help a local charity in the process. We hope the youngsters from St. Edwards C of E Primary School enjoyed learning how we make our mattresses and that Emmaus can help more people in need thanks to the donation.”

Steve Atkinson, Chairman at Emmaus Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “We are extremely grateful that Hypnos and St. Edward’s have decided to support us with this kind offer. The sales of these could generate a considerate amount of vital funding, which will have a significant impact on our charity and the people it supports.

“The money raised will go to residencies and training facilities for the homeless people with whom we work, enabling them to restore their self-esteem and find a way to overcome homelessness in the long term.”

Emmaus nationally supports more than 750 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in its social enterprises. By 2020 they plan to increase this to 1,000 places.

As a multiple award-winner for our sustainable actions, and the only carbon neutral bed manufacturer in the UK, we take the environment and our social responsibility extremely seriously. The business regularly undertakes tree planting exercises with local schools, teaching the importance of protecting the environment, as well as carrying out educational school tours to teach young people about the benefits of a good night’s sleep.

All Hypnos’ beds are 100% recyclable at the end of their life and use some of the finest, natural materials including wool and cashmere, as well as FSC^® and PEFC™ certified timbers that have been sourced from managed forests.

Find out more about Emmaus.