Vertu Honda Stockton has teamed up with other businesses in the Teesside and North Yorkshire area, to support the beginning of building works for a respite and permanent supported living centre.
JPC Community Farm, which was established by Paul and Julie Connaughton for their son James, purchased a 23.5 acre site near Stokesley, with support from SLIL Thorntree and Best Bespoke Tenancies, for its most ambitious charity project yet. The James Paul Connaughton Community Farm will provide permanent and temporary respite care for young adults with disabilities and their families.
Work will start on site in November to provide a 5 star-rated (Outstanding) supported living environment for those with additional needs. The farm will initially offer 21 apartments which include a three-bedroom, two-storey apartment, and plans to further develop respite care, overnight care and day-care centres in the future.
Vertu Honda Stockton has supported the JPC Community Farm for more than 15 years, providing cars at a number of events the charity has organised, including the recent Supercar Saturday on Stockton high street, in addition to acting as an ongoing sponsor. The dealership also provided the family with a new Honda CRV through the Motability Scheme in January, waiving the deposit of £750.
Martin Boagey, general manager of the recently-refurbished Vertu Honda Stockton, said: “It is important for local businesses to support the communities they operate in. We have a great relationship with Paul and Julie, and the work that the charity does is fantastic. The charity’s project will provide a haven for young adults with disabilities and their families, and we proud to be able to play a part in making the farm and the respite centre a reality.”
Paul added: “We want to be in a position where we can offer permanent residency to families in a picturesque place, with a network of support during an extremely difficult time. We accept nothing but the best for our own son and want to guarantee that experience for others.
“While we have some amazing investors like Best Bespoke Tenancies, we need as much support as possible and without the backing of so many great local businesses, like Vertu Honda Stockton, we wouldn’t be able to continue with our vision.”