Key Initiatives Needing Funding
Kate Turnbull House
Project Summary
Kate Turnbull House (KTH) is a 9-bedroom property owned by Response. For over 20 years it has served as a transitional residence for adults with mental health challenges, providing a crucial step between hospital care and independent living. However, the property requires extensive repairs, as well as a complete renovation to continue offering essential housing and support.
The Need and Benefits
The refurbishment is necessary to restore the property's functionality, allowing it to once again accommodate supported individuals transitioning from high-support environments to more independent living.
Currently unoccupied due to its condition, KTH's renovation will benefit up to 40 individuals over five years, providing a well-maintained, homely environment that supports mental health recovery.
Refurbishment Works
Planned renovations include:
- Complete internal redecoration
- Conservatory renovation
- Fire door upgrades
- Bathroom upgrades
- Gate and window replacements
- Roof repairs
- Electrical rewiring
Upon project completion, the Charity will have a fully renovated property, enhancing its capacity to support people in their rehabilitation journey.
Community Wellbeing Hub Project in West Berkshire
Project Summary:
Response is launching a Wellbeing Hub in Thatcham to provide early, preventative mental health and wellbeing support to young people in West Berkshire. The Hub will be centrally located on the existing Carramar site, close to the high street, bus routes, and a local secondary school, ensuring accessibility for the community.
The Wellbeing Hub
The Hub will repurpose an existing Portakabin at Carramar House, which will be fully refurbished, including wheelchair access. The Hub will offer various services to young people aged 8 and above, including:
- After school drop-in sessions, 1:1 support, family drop-in sessions, telephone connecting, wellbeing groups
The Hub will support approximately 1,500 young people and families annually. As the demand grows, Response plans to expand the service.
The Need
Due to cuts in early intervention services, many young people in West Berkshire are left without adequate mental health support. Surveys reveal that:
- 56% of young people are concerned about mental health.
- 34% believe more support is needed.
- 27% worry about self-harm.
Benefits
The Hub will reduce:
- The number of young people not in education, employment, or training.
- Criminal activity by promoting positive activities.
- Referrals to expensive statutory services.
- Demand for primary care services.
- Escalation of mental health issues requiring specialist interventions.
Support for Health Inequality Groups
Response has a track record of reaching underserved groups, with significant referrals from LGBTQ+, disabled, and BAME communities, as well as neurodivergent individuals.
Response’s Hub aims to fill the above gaps, providing timely, preventative support to those who need it most.
Creating Greener and Energy Efficient Homes for the People we Support
Following a detailed assessment of all of Responses properties, using the Decent Home standards criteria, there are 55 properties that need works to make them more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Response needs to fundraise, to ensure that its properties achieve the decent homes standard, a nationally set quality benchmark, alongside works to ensure they can be energy efficient.
Overall, Response’s supported housing services play a vital role in assisting adults with serious mental illness, to achieve stability, independence, and improved quality of life, through a comprehensive and supportive approach.
