£6m development project underway at National Star Ullenwood

Kim and Catrin Anderson smiling, Paul, Peter and Andy smiling in background next to digger

We have unveiled an exciting new £6 million project which will enable National Star to support more young people with complex disabilities.

Supporting young people with disabilties with a new specialist residence

The charity has started work on a new specialist residence at our Ullenwood campus. It will provide specially-adapted accommodation for young people with disabilities that fully meets their complex needs and provides stimulating spaces to live, learn and relax.

The new building will replace an existing residence in Gloucester which does meets the needs of students with complex disabilities.

‘This new specialist accommodation will ensure National Star will be able to meet the needs of young people for years to come,’ said Paul Styles, Chair of Trustees. ‘There is an incredible need for the services National Star provides and this development will ensure we can continue to support these young people in the future.’

Each of the 13 bedrooms, which includes an independence and assessment suite, will have specialist overhead tracking hoists and ensuite facilities ensuring that privacy and dignity is maintained for those with high levels of personal care needs. There will be wide corridors that can easily accommodate large electric wheelchairs ensuring everyone can easily move around their home.

There will also be sensory/break-out spaces to support those with autism, sensory processing disorders and behaviours that challenge as well as large communal areas which will be used for life skills sessions.

Building a brighter future

We still need to raise £1.5 million for the project which is due to be completed in Summer 2023.

‘By supporting our appeal, you will be helping us build a brighter future for scores of young people with complex disabilities,’ said Mr Styles. ‘Every gift will make a difference and is greatly appreciated.’

Cheltenham parent Kim Anderson knows first-hand the difference National Star can make. Her daughter Catrin attends the college.

‘Since starting at National Star, Catrin has been given many opportunities that have not been available to her previously,’ said Mrs Anderson.

‘She is achieving new goals, gaining more independence, and very much enjoying her time at National Star. As a family we can’t praise the charity enough. It is making such a difference to Catrin and her development.’

The accommodation has been designed by Cheltenham architects coombes:everitt and is being constructed by regional contractor Speller Metcalfe. Other companies involved in the project include Burnley Wilson Fish, SF Planning, MHP Design, David Smith Associates, APA Construction Consultancy and Nuttall Engineering.