How a community joined forces to transform our property

Last week, a fantastic team of 14 volunteers from Bath Building Society rolled up their sleeves and made a huge difference at our Supported Housing Service for Individuals with Autism in Bath. 

Housed in a classic Bath stone building, the property had two rooms that, over time, had become unfit for use due to age and general wear and tear. With stretched budgets, Julian House often welcomes extra support to help keep our spaces welcoming and functional - and last week, that generosity came in buckets (of Dulux). 

Thanks to a generous grant from the B&Q Foundation - and the time, energy, and elbow grease of the Bath Building Society team - these rooms have been completely transformed.  

“It was important to our team that we could create something really special for the clients that Julian House supports. Being part of something that directly improves people’s lives in our local community was a privilege, and the experience has brought our team closer together.” Said Ed Hinton, Bath Building Society’s Project Support Officer who helped organise. 

Staff from the Building Society’s IT, Business Change, and Compliance teams first came together on Monday 9th June to strip, repaint, and renovate both spaces, creating: 

• A small, accessible gym for clients who may find public gyms overwhelming or inaccessible, and 

• A welcoming meeting room with a kitchenette, where clients and their support workers can talk in comfort and privacy.  

The design of each space was guided by residents’ input, ensuring the result is both supportive and empowering. 

“People with autism need calm, adaptable spaces where they can regulate and develop independent living skills.” Commented Service Manager, Maria Cooper. “These upgrades will give our residents new spaces where they can feel comfortable to engage in health and well-being activities that they typically struggle to access.”    

Maria, the clients, and members of the Julian House team -including CEO Helen Bedser - were joined by Bath Building Society CEO Richard Ingle and colleagues to review and discuss the changes made. Having nominated Julian House as their Charity of the Year earlier this year, the Building Society also awarded Julian House a generous cheque for £934, on behalf of their members, from their recent AGM. 

Next up for our service: We’re excited to use the B&Q Foundation grant to finish furnishing the spaces with gym equipment and other essentials, so our clients can start making full use of the rooms. In the near future, a key portion of the grant will also fund a kitchen renovation for our clients, and we look forward to seeing these upgrades come to life.  

We will keep you updated for the next stage of renovation which is the kitchen...