THE OBJECTIVE
Vicky is a skilled tradesperson and started working on renovating her family home in Burnley around 5–6 years ago, including building a ground-floor extension and ripping out the kitchen.
Three years ago, her mum Keren was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s form of dementia. Keren had always been very healthy and independent, but two years ago, Vicky had to give up her job to be a full-time carer. And, 12 months ago, she moved in with her mum, meaning her family was split up as her 18-year-old son is living in the house alone.
Vicky wants her mom to move into her home, but as it’s in an unfinished state, it means it is unsafe for her to live there.
All of the pressures of having a family separated between homes, the house being unliveable and caring for her mum have meant that Vicky has suffered with her mental health; she admits that she got to a point where she felt she couldn’t cope anymore.
Meet Keren
THE BACKGROUND
Vicky’s mum, Keren, was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s form of dementia in November 2022 at the age of 64, although Vicky had started to suspect something was wrong a few years before, when her mum became more forgetful.
The diagnosis meant that Keren had to give up her role within the civil service. Keren has always been a very healthy and independent person, seldom needing to see a doctor. However, 12 months ago, it became clear that Keren could not live safely on her own any longer.
THE PROJECT
A couple of Vicky’s close friends who she had met whilst volunteering on DIY SOS projects suggested that Band of Builders could help her family. These friends were the ones who approached Band of Builders and Vicky submitted the application for practical support.
The extension – which would ideally be a bedroom with an ensuite and a small kitchenette for Keren – has exposed joists, wires hanging from the ceiling, bare blockwork walls and unfinished plumbing and electrics. Outside, the ground levels are uneven with loose stone, open drains and general debris, making the whole area unsafe.
The main kitchen has no worktops and the appliances are unusable, which itself has an unfinished ceiling, loose wiring and no proper fittings. The family are having to make do with cooking in the living room, plus it is being used as a dumping ground being stacked full of items, with barely any space to move – it can’t be used as a living space at all.
The house is essentially a building site. The family simply can’t move forward until it is sorted – and Vicky can’t bring her mum home until the environment is safe.
Could you help us by volunteering on this project? Register your interest for Keren’s Project.
When: Work to start in April
Duration: TBC
Where: Burnley
Trades Required: TBC
