A £1.2 million project to expand the accommodation and facilities at Risdon Farm is under way. The ambitious development plan will enable the charity to accommodate students & staff in permanent houses instead of mobile homes.

The centrepiece of the plan involves the construction of three purpose-built family accommodation units, & an extension to the existing farm house. The specially constructed units are designed to provide self-contained accommodation for an extended family ie. house parents, support workers and up to 8 students. Detailed plans for the development have been prepared by a firm of Christian architects.

Planning approval was granted by West Devon Borough Council in 2003 and work on the development started in July 2004.

The self-contained family units will comprise sleeping accommodation, bathrooms, communal kitchens, dining and meeting areas and dedicated accommodation for the house parents, who provide support and guidance for all those living in each unit.

Progression so far. April 2008.

Completion of the project has been help up due to lack of funding and personnel. In addition to the new family units, Gilead is also planning to create new office facilities to house the administration, reception, finance and PR functions. New accommodation for teaching activities will also be included in this development. Plans to extend the main farmhouse to provide additional accommodation for students have also been prepared. The development at Risdon Farm also includes additional leisure and recreation facilities.

At present the building work is on hold. Unfortunately, we have had to lay off the skilled builder because of lack of finances. We require £460 per week to pay his wage. We have been in contact with relevant trusts to apply for more funding, but are waiting for a response. Until then we need £10,000 to keep the project going.

CAN YOU HELP?

There are many ways in which you can help Gilead in its development plans:

• Giving – We need approx £10,000 to complete the 1st house & then approx £200,000 for each of the other houses.

• Pray for finances to be secured

* Volunteer your help to raise the funding.

• Ask us to visit your church to explain about the work of Gilead and the project.

* Volunteer your building skill to help build the accommodation.

• If you would like to know more, or can help us in anyway,

please email Lois Samuel or call on 01837 852117.