The people we support and colleagues at 8 Acres in Attleborough, Norfolk, celebrated the end of their half a million-pound redevelopment works with a spectacular summer garden party last month.
The innovative regeneration works were completed just in time for everyone to enjoy the last days of summer sunshine in their incredible new garden.
8 Acres is home to 17 people we support with specialist support needs, who, were all involved with choosing the décor and fixtures during the works which were completed over 15 months.
Phase one focused on the internal renovations and phase two saw vast improvements to the exterior of the property.
At the end of August, the people we support, National Care Group colleagues, relatives and local partners came together for a celebratory open day to mark the end of the significant project.
The celebrations included a BBQ, cocktails served at the new outdoor bar ‘8 Acres Inn’, music, laughter, and relaxation in the new therapeutic activity area.
Now that the final phase of work is complete, the people we support can use and enjoy the outside space all year round, including:
Greenhouse Polytunnel
The new greenhouse area includes an extra large polytunnel where the people we support can grow their own vegetables, plants, and flowers all year round. Empowering new skills and encouraging healthy eating.
Sensory Garden
A new therapeutic area where the garden has been fenced to create an extended secure space with accessible raised beds and planters.
Summer House Sensory Room
A new summer house has been installed with electricity which is now being enjoyed as a sensory room with heating and a canopy, enabling it to be enjoyed all year round.
Outdoor Bar
The new ‘8 Acres Inn’ was officially opened during the celebrations.
It includes a landscaped seating area where non-alcoholic cocktails were prepared and served by the people we support.
Increased Accessibility
The renovation has empowered all the people we support to access and enjoy the new space with a new wheelchair-accessible pathway and a rejuvenated surrounding area, decorated with potted plants, raised flower beds, and bark.
Collaboration has been key to the success of the project; colleagues from the Estates Team worked alongside Operational Team colleagues and the people we support to bring the vision to life.
Regional Operations Manager, Mark Whiteley, said:
“I am excited to see the innovative renovation works completed at 8 Acres.
Tara, our registered manager, and her team, alongside the people we support went above and beyond to make the opening party a day to remember.
All the new benefits introduced by the project will improve the quality of care and support we provide and empower us to unlock the potential of the people we support.
Phase one of the project completed earlier in the year included a full internal refurbishment.
It delivered substantial improvements to the grounds and housing facilities, including a new full renovation of 18 flats with new wet rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
James Allen, chief executive of National Care Group, said:
“Investing in our sites is part of a continual improvement programme at National Care Group to enable the people we support to reach their full potential.
The services provided at 8 Acres are a testament to this philosophy, building in not just the essentials but a range of sensory and homely improvements that help both the people we support and their team to feel empowered in their surroundings."
For more information on 8 Acres and the support it provides visit:
View – National Care Group