PRESS BRIEFING NOTE – OPENING OF NEW FACILITIES AT YATTON HOUSE, GREAT AYTON FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 2024

A well-established North Yorkshire charity, Yatton House in Great Ayton, which is centred on providing day care and activities for adults with learning and physical disabilities has reached a major milestone in a transformational programme of improvement works.

Mr Rishi Sunak MP is set to both open the latest completed phases of redevelopment, Phase 2-5 and also launch the fundraising drive for the final phase of works, Phase 6 on Friday 6th December at 2.00pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This follows on from the opening of the first phase of the redevelopment by him in 2019.

Established by volunteers as a charity to serve the needs of the local North Yorkshire area over 40 years ago, the Centre was in dire need of refurbishment and upgrade to provide a modern, safe, secure and attractive environment for approximately 30 Members who attend. Following some years of uncertainty, the Trust invested over £150,000 completing Phase 1 and has followed this with a further £236,000 with the Phase 2-5 works now ready for opening.

A further programme of refurbishment, Phase 6 which will complete the job, is likely to cost over £100,000 and take over a year to complete once funds are raised.

Following on from the success of Phase1 which included a new wheelchair accessible entrance & reception area, an IT Activity Room and Changing Place facility, Phase 2-5 has included refurbishment to the toilets, a new specially adapted Skills Kitchen and extended activity room, new windows, doors and insulation to the walls with new render, along with improved, level footpath access around the building.

In all, the work to date has transformed the day facility providing an attractive, modern and comfortable learning environment for the Members that attend.

Mr Rishi Sunak MP, on behalf of the Charity Trustees, is launching the fundraising for the final phase of the refurbishment programme. Following consultation with Members and the local community, a Sensory Room, Enterprise Hub, Drama Room and accessible toilet is planned as well as an onsite allotment, all hopefully to be undertaken in 2025.

The funding for Phases 2-5 has been raised though a range of generous grants provided by The Big Lottery, North Yorkshire Councillors Locality Budget (via Cllr Heather Moorhouse), Hambleton DC, and local charitable backers the Jack Brunton Charity and the Prochorus Fund. Direct fundraising has also taken place with tombola’s, raffles and the sale of plants and goods such as Christmas Wreaths produced on site by Members. Other national backers such as the Screwfix Fund, Edward Gostling Foundation, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Newcastle BS and Garfield Weston Foundation have provided welcomed support.(full list of funders attached)

The latest phase of work has been overseen by two local lead technical advisors, Create Architecture and Readman Associates Quantity Surveyors with the work undertaken by builders ALR, Adam Robinson.

Terry Sutcliffe, Vice Chair of Trustees who has led on the refurbishment commented ‘The phased approach to undertaking the improvements has been a real success, Yatton House has been able to stay open providing a much needed local service for the Members whilst they have been able to see the improvements take place over the last 5 years. This has also allowed additional fundraising to continue over that period. The final fundraising launch by Mr Rishi Sunak MP will hopefully allow the transformation of the facility to be completed within the next year or so.’

David Jackson Chair of Trustees added ‘It is important that we recognise and thank all involved in this successful journey which has taken place over the last five years or so. The building and the facilities available to the Members have been transformed and we offer a safe, happy and learning environment. As Chairman I must thank the Members, their families and carers, our brilliant hardworking staff, the many volunteers and the Trustees for their unwavering support. I also would thank all the organisations, large and small and individual donors, who have made this journey possible. We have a building and facilities to be proud of. Thank you!’

Jonathan Stephenson Manager of Yatton House commented ‘It is great to see the benefits of the building adaptions, the improvements have transformed the service making it a valuable resource that will meet the needs of the local community for years to come. Our Membership now have a building that provides greater access, improved thermal insulation and activity spaces where they can learn and develop life skills. The launch of the next phase will conclude the refurbishment program and will deliver exciting opportunities for sensory, drama, and enterprise spaces.’

Trevor a Yatton House Member who has been attending for over 10yrs added, ‘the new skills kitchen is great for cooking, all the new rooms are lovely’