Premises

Essential Repairs and Disabled Access

Before 'Friend' purchased 39, Oxford Street from our landlords in 2001, it had been several years since any maintenance had been carried out on the outside of the building and inclement weather had caused severe damage to the internal walls of the upper floors. However, in order to maintain our base in Weston-super-Mare, there was little option other than buying the building as it stood or 'Friend' would have become homeless, and the project would probably have had to close.

Ensuing years, and lack of capital, have seen the deterioration of the building worsen, and the point has now been reached where repairs are essential and urgent. Added to this is the necessity for 'Friend' to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which came into force on 1 October 2004.

The Management Group made a decision to apply for a larger mortgage to cover the cost of refurbishment and, at the same time, applications for funding were made to several grant-making bodies to try to offset the amount 'Friend' would have to borrow. From those applications a magnificent £123,525 was raised!

Our architect, Jeremy Gainsford, Gainsford Associates, Taunton, drew up the plans for the alterations and refurbishments required, then sent out the schedule of works to four building contractors asking them to submit tenders. The tender received from a local company, County Contractors of Weston-super-Mare, was successful. Work is due to start at the end of August 2006, and will take from four to six months to complete. During this time 'Friend' offices will be located above DS Securities at 47a, Oxford Street, where there is also a room available for therapies and computer tuition. Drop-in will be held at the Tea Cosy café on Mondays and Fridays, and at the YMCA on Wednesdays.

Should anyone wish to make a donation to 'Friend', it would be most gratefully received and would be enhanced by using the Gift Aid Scheme.