DIVERSE ABILITIES PLUS
DIVERSE ABILITIES PLUS
Diverse Abilities Plus is the only charity in Dorset to support both children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities. Through a range of assistance, support and education services, over 600 children and adults have been helped in the county over 60 years.
The charity launched their Lilypad Appeal to raise funds to redevelop its children’s respite home. Without significant refurbishment in over 20 years, the project will make a huge difference to children with disabilities, and their families.
Turner & Hoskins took on the project, met with the charity’s team, produced proposals and drawings and submitted planning permission. All of the work was completed as effort ‘in-kind’, and planning permission was granted in May 2015.
The aim was to expand services for young people; doubling the buildings size in order to accommodate more children and give families increased respite. Turner & Hoskins re-planned both of the charity’s homes to provide overnight accommodation for both carers and children.
The charity wanted the improvements to help in stimulating the children’s senses to achieve more and enjoy their stay at the respite home. With this in mind, the design sought to create a homely feel, a ‘staying at our aunties’ experience, and avoid any institutional feel.
As well as re-planning the existing layout and providing further essential accommodation, the developments included a snug, a sensory room, bedrooms, bathrooms, carer accommodation and offices, and a fully adapted kitchen enabling children to participate.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Diverse Abilities, affirms, “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Turner & Hoskins Architects for providing us their time and effort ‘in-kind’. Their kind donation was very much appreciated and they made the whole process run smoothly.”
Turner & Hoskins seek wherever possible to help those less fortunate and bring their expertise and professional skills to be a voice for those in need. Tim Hoskins, director at Turner & Hoskins Architects, confirms, “It has been a privilege to work with Diverse Abilities, and to assist in the way we have. We sincerely hope we have brought significant benefit to the team, and perhaps more importantly, the children and young people that visit the respite home and their families.”
