Let's Fund a New Lounge for Jean Marshall House: a special home to special people!

JEAN MARSHALL HOUSE is part of the Outlook Foundation which EMPOWERS PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES BY PROVIDING SAFE, COMFORTABLE HOME IN THE COMMUNITY. But they do much more than that: they really value each tenant as an individual and empower them to live to their full potential.

My kind, brave and cheeky son lives here with his friends. I have got to know Ben's housemates this year and just love them. They have been so supportive and encouraging to Ben and made him feel really at home. They are all so kind and full of fun. Some of these guys have lived in JMH for over 10 years so it really is HOME.

However, there is a problem. The Outlook Foundation/JMH is a charity and they provide a high standard of support from some wonderful staff, but JMH is an old house and funds can get tight to do all that needs to be done. Two years ago they managed to raise the money to re-do the kitchen, but other areas need some attention and the lounge is one of them. If I had the money I would just donate it all, but as that's not possible for me, I decided I would fundraise the money. These guys have given Ben security, fun and love and I want to give something back.

Their furniture is old and worn and they don't even have enough seats to sit on if they are all in. They also don't have enough side tables to use for drinks and some shelf/cupboard space is needed and they would love the TV to go on the wall out of the way. The chairs have some old stains on and everything is looking a bit tired and dated.

What they need is are some comfortable hard wearing sofa's and chairs, some foldaway side tables, a new cupboard, new paint on the walls and maybe a carpet if we can raise enough. £4000 will allow enough to buy good quality furniture and create a beautiful, contempory, comfortable space.

I can't tell how worthy a cause this is and we will be so grateful for whatever you can donate and please share with everyone and anyone you know. When I started the fundraising I pledged to walk 40 miles a week until the money was raised. I had my pedometer on go, but just 2 weeks in I had a car accident and my back and hip has not been the same since. I am recovering, but slowly and I find that after just 2 miles I am in a lot of pain. So sadly, plan A fell apart.

However, I didn't want to stop fundraising and we raised the first £1000 easily and then Christmas hit and no one seemed to want to or were unable to give, despite writing to local organisations.

But 2020 is here - a new year, a new impetus and I am not giving in. I can't because I truly, truly believe in these guys (and the Outlook Foundation). They stand out from the crowd, bring love and joy into the world and face challenges everyday. These wonderful housemates are braver and more resilient than most people know and what are steps for you and me are leaps for them and I personally would like to see them leap around when they find they can have a lounge that reflects who they are and their home-made family.

Please give what you can and feel free to ask me anything if you want to know more.

If you are a supplier of good quality furniture, paint, etc and can offer anything practical instead of money or discounts etc then please contact me too.

Thank you for listening :)

Registerd charity 802682