WILLMOTT DIXON JOINS OUR BEAR HUNT ART TRAIL TO HELP BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY
ellenor, the local charity providing hospice care to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses across North Kent and Bexley, is delighted to welcome leading construction company Willmott Dixon as a key sponsor of next year’s Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt public art trail and fundraiser.
As one of the UK’s most community-focused construction firms, Willmott Dixon is supporting the project as part of its commitment to creating social value and improving wellbeing in the places where it works. With deep roots in Kent and a long-established office in Dartford, the company will fund and decorate one of the large fibreglass bears that will feature on the public art trail across Dartford and Bluewater next summer.
Richard Poulter, Managing Director of Wilmott Dixon’s Construction South business, said: “We are proud to support ellenor. Several of our team members live in North Kent and care deeply about the charity’s work.
“We never know when we or our loved ones might need the services that ellenor provides, and we didn’t want to wait to get involved and to show our thanks and gratitude for the work the charity does. By supporting ellenor now, we can help ensure that the charity will be there for the community when it is needed most.”
Sue Piper, ellenor’s Director of Income Generation, said: “It means a great deal to have Willmott Dixon supporting our Bear Hunt adventure. They understand the importance of community and caring for local families. With their help, we can create an experience that brings people together and helps ensure ellenor is here for everyone who needs us, today and in the future”.
Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a large-scale public art trail led by ellenor in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and Wild in Art. Thirty Big Bears and 30 Bear Cubs will be decorated by local artists, schools, and community groups before going on display across Dartford and Bluewater throughout the summer holidays next year.
For Willmott Dixon, the partnership will extend throughout the year, with the company already working closely with ellenor to support a range of project activities and community engagement opportunities.
“We are delighted that the community will be able to stroll through the spaces at Bluewater and around Dartford while following the trail,” said Richard. “They will discover new locations along the way and enjoy surprising rewards as they scan the bear’s QR codes.
“Our bear will carry messages of health and wellbeing, encouraging people to pause and reflect on their own health journeys, spark conversations, and share ideas that might inspire others.”
Willmott Dixon has operated in Kent for many decades and has had an office in Dartford since 2008. The company’s legacy in Dartford includes landmark community projects such as the Fairfield Leisure Centre, reflecting its long-term investment in the area.
Richard is always keen to listen to colleagues’ ideas and suggestions, so when they told him about ellenor, he could immediately see how much the charity meant to Willmott Dixon’s Dartford team.
Richard is always keen to listen to colleagues’ ideas and suggestions, so when they told him about ellenor, he could immediately see how much the charity meant to Willmott Dixon’s Dartford team.
He said: “As a business we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and highly supportive workplace and our partnership with ellenor is an important part of helping us achieve that.
“As a tier 1 construction company deeply committed to delivering social value in local communities, our projects in Dartford and Gravesend can significantly enhance awareness of ellenor’s important work.”
Willmott Dixon staff regularly volunteer their time to support local initiatives that make a positive difference in the community. Recently, a team of employees joined ellenor’s popular Twilight Walk, an annual fundraiser that brings people together to celebrate loved ones and raise vital funds for local hospice care.
Richard said: “This reflects our dedication to having a positive impact on the communities that we serve.”
Willmott Dixon’s bear’s design will celebrate health and wellbeing, complemented by a related reward for visitors that reinforces these vital messages.
When the trail comes to an end, the company hopes to find a permanent home for its bear – somewhere within the community where its message of wellbeing can continue to inspire long after the summer event has finished.
Richard said: “Our sponsorship recognises the incredible impact that the charity has had on those living in the area.
“The wellbeing of our people and the communities in which projects are built, is a priority for us. For example, we support mental health first aiders, wellbeing apps and voluntary contributions of time. There’s real overlap: improving life, offering care, building compassionate support networks.
“Supporting the trail is important to us because it gives us the opportunity to promote wellbeing and outdoor activity by encouraging families to explore and engage with public art. We can also raise funds for a local charity and ultimately leave an impactful legacy in the community to help strengthen the identity of Dartford, complementing the buildings we have delivered.”
There is a strong alignment between ellenor’s mission and the values that guide Willmott Dixon’s work. Like ellenor, the company takes a holistic approach that goes beyond its core service to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
For ellenor, that means providing play therapy, music therapy, counselling, and bereavement support — all in addition to our core clinical care. For Willmott Dixon, it means creating lasting social value through projects that do more than construct buildings: they strengthen communities, enhance the environment, and help people to thrive.
“We are very proud to work with partners who go above their core service to offer so much more, said Richard. “And ultimately, we hope that all the bears will create a fun summer activity that brings joy and puts a smile on everyone’s face.”
- To find out more about Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt or to get involved go to
