John Grooms Court
The challenge
- There are about 7 million disabled people in the UK and the number has risen by 28% over the last 20 years.
- Over 40% of disabled 16-24 year olds living in unsuitable accommodation. In addition, 1 in 5 wheelchair users live in housing in which they struggle to move around
- In Norwich , nearly 7,000 people are registered as permanently sick or disabled and a further 23,500 as having a limiting long-term illness (2001 census). These figures are disproportionately high compared to both regional and national averages.
- In Norfolk, there is a chronic shortage of this kind of accommodation, which Livability wants to address.
Our vision at John Grooms Court
John Grooms Court in Norwich is home to 20 men and women with physical disabilities and, in some cases, learning difficulties too. Residents live as independently as they wish and fully trained staff work with them as they learn basic life skills, such as cooking and budgeting, increasing their confidence to live independently.
John Grooms Court is a thriving community of disabled people, deciding for themselves, sharing their experiences, living the lives they want to. Residents enjoy a wide range of activities in the local area, and some undertake college courses or work. The atmosphere at the home is very warm and welcoming, and residents tell us that they love living there. We have provided care and support in the Norwich community for over twenty years but are currently facing an urgent need for renovation and a high demand for new rooms.
A new beginning
Livability wants to
increase the capacity at John Grooms Court to meet the
ever-increasing demand for this type of care. We want begin an
urgent programme of extension and upgrade at the centre.
These works will increase the capacity of the home from 20 to 25 residents, so that even more disabled people can benefit from our care, which fosters a sense of independence in a supportive environment.
A much-needed second lift will be installed, existing rooms upgraded and a conservatory put in on the top floor.
To achieve this, we are planning a radical two phase
project:
Phase 1
- Install a badly needed second lift big enough to take a bed and more complex wheelchairs
- Convert an underused and unsafe balcony into a communal conservatory which can be used by residents all year round.
Phase 2
- Convert the existing staff rooms on the second floor into five new customised and fully wheelchair-accessible en-suite flats, incorporating height-adjustable fittings and suitable wet rooms
- Completely redevelop the existing flats to maximise space
and personal independence of the residents. This will include
installing technology to let residents open the window, turn
on lights and raise or lower their bed by themselves.
How can I help?
The total cost of this project is £600,000, and the benefits will be felt for years to come. Since the campaign launched in November 2008, we have raised nearly £300,000.
We have been humbled by the generosity of our friends and supporters thus far, and we are so close to raising the £450,000 necessary to start the building works.
There are several ways in which you can make a gift towards the John Grooms Court Campaign:
- A cash gift : either a one-off payment or pledged over four years
- A tax effective gift of shares or other property
- Leaving a gift in your Will
- Making John Grooms Court your company's Charity of the Year or the beneficiary of one of your annual charity events
- Talking to us about any other ideas you might have
If you wish to send your donation by cheque please send it, made payable to Livability, to:
Livability,
c/o John Grooms Court,
215 Sprowston Road,
Norwich NR3 4HX
If you have any questions regarding the Campaign, or would like to discuss your support, please do not hesitate to contact the Campaign Manager:
Abi Hollingworth
Livability
50 Scrutton Street
London EC2A 4XQ
Email: ahollingworth@livability.org.uk
Tel: 020 7452 2136
