Reach celebrates new home

WHEN local charity Reach started life as Southwell Care Project in 1999, one of the original aims was to build quality accommodation for adults with learning disabilities in the town. 

Despite many obstacles, the charity pursued this vision and, finally in 2023, is celebrating the opening of the accommodation. 

In early June, 12 tenants moved into their new home, giving them and their families peace of mind for the future. The accommodation will provide lifelong opportunities for the twelve to make a good life for themselves in their own chosen community of Southwell, where each feels they belong. 

Steve Scall, family carer explains: “Sometimes the future can be uncertain, in our lives. But when something happens that changes your life it gives you confidence. And that happened when my daughter Laura moved into the accommodation. As families, we now have the knowledge that our loved ones will be looked after. On the day Laura moved in, she was with her friends in the shared kitchen, they were cooking pizza. Laura walked out of the kitchen and said to me, “go home Dad, I’m ok”. Thanks to everybody that’s helped me.” 

The building was designed by award-winning architects Allan Joyce Architects Ltd and built by C. Ratcliffe Builders Ltd. Midlands-based furniture company Dunelm helped turn the houses into homes with a generous donation of furniture and furnishings. To view films of the interior please visit www.reachuk. org/accommodation. 

Steve Shatwell, Reach’s Chief Executive says: “Designed to be net zero carbon in use, our houses utilise innovative eco-technology to help keep maintenance and running costs low, whilst being environmentally sustainable. Our new homes do justice to our founding trustees; unwavering belief that people with learning disabilities deserve quality housing. We can finally say ‘home at last!’ We hope everyone in Southwell feels proud of what Reach has achieved with their help – a local solution to a national problem.”