Jak's new bedroom story

Jak, aged 17, lives with mum Kim and dad Chris in Kirkby in Ashfield.

When Jak’s health condition deteriorated and using the stairs had become challenging and unsafe, his family contacted the integrated children’s disability service’s occupational therapy team for some support.

An assessment by a therapist found Jak was facing a range of difficulties, including accessing the upstairs bathroom.This led to a recommendation for home adaptations tohelp manage his increasing needs and that a ground floor extension be built.

This would provide access to bedroom and wet-room facilities to enable Jak to 'live safely and more independently' at home through his teenage years and into adulthood. For this type of adaptation, referrals can be madeto the local housing authority for a disabled facilities grant (DFG). A grant was approved towards funding the ground floor extension leaving the family with a significant contribution to make themselves. This seemed like a daunting task andnot something the family could self-fund.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s disabled facilities grant caseworker, Sarah, supported the family in dealing with the different organisations involved, requesting regular updates about the progress and to help with funding.

Because Jak is a Mansfield Town FC (Stags) fanatic, Sarah encouraged the family to approach the club about a charity fundraiser for Jak. The club and supporters raised a terrific amount, which, along with help from some incredible friends, family and the local community, meant that the family was able to raise the amount needed.

The family met with the builders, who talked them through the process and what to expect.The extension took 12 weeks to complete with little disruption to the family.The family was delighted with the chosen contractors and incredibly happy with how the finished results meet Jak’s needs.

Jak said:

I love my room, it’s a good place to chill out and it’s safe for me to use my bedroom and bathroom alone sometimes. I’ve definitely got the best room in the house! I can use my chair really easy, especially when I’m playing darts or Xbox, it’s also nice and warm."

Nottinghamshire County Council’s DFG caseworker, Sarah, said:

It was a pleasure working with the family, they were so receptive to the DFG process. It has been a joy to see the independence the space has created for Jak."