New home provides improved support for children and young people with disabilities

A man to the left in a suit and three women dressed smart. The second woman from the right is holding a school opening plaque in gold, proudly.

Strut House, an 'outstanding' short breaks home for children and young people who have severe and profound disabilities, has officially opened its new site.

The home has recently been moved to a former residential building on the site of St Francis Special School in Lincoln. The building has been fully refurbished to provide more modern and spacious facilities that will meet the diverse needs of the young people staying there. 

The home will provide overnight short breaks in a safe, nurturing and caring environment for up to five children and young people aged 5-18 years each night. 

Alongside the bedrooms, some of which have specialist beds, there are spacious lounge and activity areas, designed to accommodate large wheelchairs and equipment. There are also outdoor areas, meaning the children can enjoy activities both inside and out. 

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: "These new-and-improved facilities will mean Strut House can better support children with complex and significant special needs and disabilities. 

“In addition, many of the children attend St Francis, and the relocation will enable greater partnership working between Strut House and the school, with shared facilities and a better transition for the young people.

“Strut House has recently been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for the 12th year in a row. I’m confident that with these new facilities they will continue to provide families with excellent support for years to come.”

The project was jointly funded by the county council and the Department for Education.

Published: 1st June 2023