Current projects
THE HOME FROM HOME APPEAL
Chaired by local businessman Richard Lockwood the Home from Home Appeal aims to raise £2.3 million to establish a purpose-built facility to give some of our most vulnerable clients greater levels of control over their immediate environment. With full seizure monitoring and the use of personally tailored assistive technology installed, profoundly disabled people will be able to open and close windows and doors, adjust lighting, call for assistance and even pull the curtains.
The new facility will provide accommodation for eight people on the ground floor, with a further four apartments on the upper floor. Set in the Meath's glorious landscaped grounds, the contemporary design will compliment the original historic house and flood the interior with natural daylight.
The Appeal was launched in September, when internationally renowned publicist Max Clifford joined invited guests including Col Nicolas Davies (Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey), Professor Michael Joy OBE (High Sheriff of Surrey), Richard Gates (Mayor of Waverley) and John Garrett (Deputy Mayor of Guildford) at a party in the Meath's grounds. In a very frank speech in which he gave a very personal account of his epilepsy, Max wished the Meath team well in its fundraising efforts over the coming months.
His presence was the highlight of an evening which marked the start of fundraising with a sparkle! It's a long road to reach our target, but with the warm support of our friends, we now set out along that path.
For further details on our Appeal and how you can help turn these plans to reality, please contact Ann Spencer, Fundraising Manager, on 01483 415095. Make it count!
The Story so Far….
The Meath receives its basic running costs from statutory sources but this income does not cover ongoing, significant capital needs that make all the difference to the quality of life for our residents. Our new Home from Home Appeal is the fourth phase of a development programme to upgrade our residential facilities, bringing them in line both with Government standards and our own high quality standards.
The Meath is based in a beautiful Grade II listed house. Nearly 400 years old, the main house is now failing to meet the contemporary needs of a group of people with multiple disabilities. Some of the bedrooms are too small, none had en suite facilities at the start of our development programme, with several residents forced to share double bedrooms. All these historical problems needed to be urgently addressed.
We started our refurbishment programme in 2004, with the opening of Jeffrey Court, providing homely, en suite accommodation for eight people who needed a high level of support. The building cost more than £800,000 and the Meath successfully raised the necessary funds.
Next was The Bradbury Wing and Reception, which cost £1.4 million and provided eleven spacious en suite bedrooms, but more important by far, comfort, space and dignity for its new residents with multiple disabilities. This was followed by the upgrading of some self contained flats on site, which enabled residents living there to further their independent living skills.
Looking to the future...
The Meath plans to bring all of our accommodation to a high standard, in line with the quality of the service delivery that we offer. We aim for all of our rooms to offer the level of space and comfort we all expect from our homes. We are focusing on providing greater opportunity and choice for residents, extending the range of activities that can be enjoyed both on and off-site, and promoting community involvement.
Other projects
ARTHOUSE Meath
The ARTHOUSE urgently requires funding across its projects, including the costs of new materials and entry fees for a number of exhibitions. Visit www.the-arthouse.co.uk for more information or call 01483 425079
Residents' 'Extras'
We also fundraise each year to pay for 'extras' that can make all the difference to residents. Help is always gratefully received to assist with costs for outings and activities, games or equipment. Why not consider joining 'The Friends of the Meath', who fundraise throughout the year towards providing these additional niceties. To find out more, call Ann Spencer, Fundraising Manager, on 01483 415095.