Yatton House Society is a community based charity that operates a day centre for adults with learning disabilities some of whom also have a physical disability. We are based in Great Ayton, on the edge of the North York Moors and currently have 18 members. Our core objective is to provide members with opportunities to develop life skills which enable independent living. We offer a broad range of opportunities all underpinned by our four key principles of Rights, Independence, Choice and Inclusion. Members have access to a diverse program of activities including Arts and Crafts, Music, Drama and Dance, Sports and Games, Food Preparation, Nutrition and Cooking Skills, Horticulture and Digital Skills training.

We have a fantastic team of experienced and dedicated support workers who deliver programs of activities centred around individual needs and aspirations, helping everyone to reach their full potential.

Our building is a modular design and of an age that pre-dates effective insulation and energy conservation measures having single glazed aluminium framed windows and no wall insulation in the oldest parts. Whilst the building is structurally sound, much of the exterior requires comprehensive refurbishment and repair.

The absence of insulation and double glazed windows and doors results in significant heat loss making the building difficult to maintain at a comfortable temperature for our members and staff, even with the heating on very high for the entire day. We are very aware of the need to take responsibility for the environmental impact of our activities at Yatton House and bringing the building up to modern standards of insulation will reduce our carbon footprint through lower energy usage.

This is also critical from a financial perspective given ever increasing energy costs. The ability to control and minimise our energy usage will allow us to utilise more of our funds for the direct benefit of our members rather than financing operational costs.

The funds raised will go towards the complete renovation of the exterior elevations of three sides of our building and will include the installation of insulated rendered panels, double glazed windows and replacement doors and the construction of fully wheelchair accessible paving and ramps around the building. Our project has been fully costed at £51,500 of which we have secured £29,500. We are working very hard to secure the remaining funds so that we can complete this work before winter 2022.

Individuals with learning disabilities are often excluded and can become marginalised in society but at Yatton House we strive to ensure they have the same opportunities and experiences as anyone. Our building refurbishment project will future-proof our facility and safeguard the long term future of our service.