Futurebuilders to fund state-of-the-art residential facilities for the disabled » Housing » 24dash.com

The Percy Hedley Foundation, a charity established to promote the rights, needs and aspirations of disabled people across the North East, is to refurbish its premises and create a new residential unit scheme, with the help of an investment from Futurebuilders England.

Based in Newcastle, the foundation delivers services to people with cerebral palsy, communication and sensory impairments and complex learning, social care and therapeutic needs.

Its current services include an integrated nursery, two specialist schools, a post-16 education unit, a specialist further education college, a disability sports academy, a day and community service facility, an employability project, and specialist residential accommodation.

An £850,000 investment will fund the upgrade and extension of the existing site, Tyne House, in the heart of the city.

In addition, seven purpose-built residential units are to be created to support individuals with severe physical impairments, ensuring residents can live independently and develop skills within the community.

Also included in the investment is a £100,000 loan that will help to equip the accommodation with hi-tech facilities to enable occupants to live independently.

Users will be able to remotely set heating, open and close their curtains and switch electrical appliances on and off at the touch of a button.

David Barker MBE, Director of Adult Services for Percy Hedley Foundation said: "We are delighted with the support we have had from Futurebuilders England.

"It understood our needs and worked closely with us to develop our application. Initial work is now underway and we can look forward to developing a truly inspiring place for disabled people to live."

The Percy Hedley Foundation currently has contracts with more than 20 local authorities, and the new units will be completed by mid 2009.

Jonathan Lewis, chief executive of Futurebuilders England said: "Investments like these are what Futurebuilders is all about. The investment will help The Percy Headley Foundation create modern facilities for its service users and help the foundation win further public service contracts, and we hope to invest in similar organisations in the near future."

Futurebuilders England is a £215 million Government-supported fund offering support and investment to help third-sector organisations win contracts to deliver public services.

To date, it has offered more than £138 million in investments to nearly 270 organisations.