A YEARLONG refurbishment project to fix flooding damage at a charity’s new home is now complete thanks to another generous donation.
Last year an anonymous buyer purchased Compass House on Castlereagh Street, which was on the market for £500,000, to home the Local Mencap Barnsley charity, which at the time was looking for larger premises so it could grow and offer more to the people they help.
Local Mencap Barnsley is a registered charity governed by local people raising funds to deliver projects to adults with physical and learning difficulties.
The Mencap used to be based in Monk Bretton but when the premises it was using was sold, it found a home at Priory Campus but supporters longed for a home of their own.
A businessman proved to be their guardian angel agreeing to purchase the former office building near town, but just a day before they got the keys, the building was flooded due to an issue with pipe work and the charity had to hold off moving in.
Now after 12 months of work the charity can now move into the premises with an official opening taking place on Wednesday.
The building has been adapted for people with learning and physical disabilities. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.
So included among the many adaptations at Compass House is a Changing Place facility which includes a ceiling track hoist, an adjustable changing bed and adapted sinks and toilet facilities.
In February last year the charity was awarded £15,000 by Yorkshire Health Charity to create the space as there was only one other Changing Place in the town, located at the town hall. There is also a sensory room which has modern sensory equipment suitable for all ages and can be available for private hire, and a large activity room which is fully adapted with an easily accessible kitchen and is home to the latest equipment and WiFi. There is also a reception area for when visitors enter which is manned by the charity’s club members.
“Upstairs has been fully refurbished and modernised with two large spaces with kitchen and toilet facilities and a shower room with disabled access, which is available on a lease basis,” said James Webb, business management apprentice for Local Mencap Barnsley.
Compass House aims to create a community hub for people who have different learning and physical disabilities and other charitable organisation and community organisations to use.
The grand opening of the house will take place on Wednesday where the charity’s theatre group will be taking part in performances throughout the day, arts and crafts will be on offer and refreshments will be available.
