Since the mid-eighties Ravensbourne has identified the need for dedicated respite provision for children with special needs in Lewisham. Unfortunately, the lack of funding and no available appropriate accommodation had always posed too much of an obstacle to Ravensbourne Project.
In 1996 the Ravensbourne Project was formed specifically to look at finding appropriate accommodation and the funding to open a dedicated respite day care provision. Once again lack of funding, but more importantly not being able to find appropriate accommodation continued to be a challenge. Just as we were giving up the Coombe Trust, a local organisation, approached our board of trustees and offered their help. At the same time a house in Catford, perfect for redevelopment and a large extension, came on to the market and our dream was about to become a reality.
An ordinary house transformed:
Fortunately through good relationships and the cooperation of neighbours, Lewisham councillors, health and social care professionals and Lewisham planning department, planning approval was quickly granted and work commenced. In February 2003 Coombe House was opened as a day care centre. Having four bedrooms gives us the opportunity to provide over night care in the future should there be a demand.
We leased the building from the Coombe Trust from 2003 to 2010 when we had an opportunity to purchase it.
Our services are held in a centrally located converted and extended family home. On the ground floor there is a sitting room/tv room, a dining room, a sensory room, an art/activity room and a media room. There is also a kitchen, a laundry, two toilets, one with a shower which is en-suite to the personal care room.
Outside there is a log cabin with soft play and the garden has been laid with astro-turf allowing it to be used in all weathers. On the first floor, which can be reached by stairs or lift, there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, one equipped with a special bath and toilet.
