Reverend Peter Dominey who founded ChurchFromScratch from his home in Cranley Road just three years ago, after spending 12 years working as a decorating contractor around Southend. He will use his experience in the trade to begin a series of "Changing Rooms" style
transformations, to help people in some of the most deprived parts of town, with the help of a £400 paint donation from the Dulux Decorator Centre on London Road in Westcliff. The refurbishments, which will be carried out by small teams of volunteers from the Church, form part of the "Love Southend" initiative, a co-operative campaign by churches across Southend to make a difference to the community in practical ways. Already, a team from the Baptist church has revamped the HARP day centre on Valkyrie Road, a registered charity that provides free help and resources for homeless people. And Reverend Dominey is now planning to offer his services to the Southend District Mental Health Authority, helping them to refresh some rooms in their community care homes. "The church has grown from just a handful of people to a congregation well in excess of 50 and our decorating effort is just one of the ways we're collectively trying to give something back to the community." Darren Benstead, manager of the local Dulux Decorator Centre, said: "Peter was a regular customer when he worked as a decorator, so it was a pleasure to help him in this new venture. "As part of our ongoing 'Colouring the Community' programme, we're always on the look out for other exciting local projects that might benefit from some free decorating products. Do get in touch if you'd like to make a nomination." | 
