Eastbourne charity looks forward to new developments

In plans on Eastbourne Borough Council’s website, the JPK Project charity in Old Town would see changes to the supported living centre.

The JPK Project works to support adults with learning disabilities through providing appropriate accommodation and training in hospitality.

The charity, on the site of the former Edgmond Church, gained consent to develop a supported living centre, a training and community centre to deliver courses to the adults, and The Old Town Cafe run by volunteers and students to provide work-experience in 2013.

Now the charity is moving into the next phase of developments, which would see eight new flats specially suited to adults with leaning disabilities, according to the planning documents.

Jill Parker MBE, the charity founder and chairperson to the trustees, said, “The trustees have been working hard on implementing and commissioning the supported living centre.

“Phase 2 will provide eight flats to include communal rooms in the way of a kitchen, lounge and dining room - which is in dire need of being provided for those people with a learning disability who have parent carers in their 70s and 80s.”

Ms Parker said the trustees have been working with architects to reduce the costs of the development.

She said, “I am delighted to announce that on the December 17 our application was approved.”

Now the plans can move forward to the technical design stage and completion of the site, according to Ms Parker. On the charity website, it says the flats will allow the residents to ‘live as independently as possible with the support of staff’.

The website says, “They will have an opportunity to build friendships and socialise in a safe environment and have access to the wider community. They will have access to training and work experience and be supported 24-hours per day and encouraged to access the community for college placements, employment opportunities and volunteering.”

The current Covid restrictions have had an impact on the fundraising side to the charity.

Ms Parker said, “The JPK has a small shortfall in capital funds to commence building and therefore, with the reduced new figures we are currently making further applications to grant making trusts and donors to support our endeavours.

“Sadly, due to the current Covid pandemic we are unable to undertake our usual fundraising events which would, in normal circumstances, have assisted our endeavour.

“The JPK has had a troublesome year, much like many charities who have been unable to fundraise. However, thanks to the support of so many people, we are surviving and will live to fight another day.”

The JPK Project is currently closed again due to current Covid restrictions.