Astor Bannerman first became involved after Anthony Kilgarriff, from Astor Bannerman, visited the centre while construction was underway.

The visit highlighted the scale and potential impact of what Building for the Future was creating. The new centre has been designed to provide an inclusive environment where young people can access support and opportunities in a setting that is practical, welcoming and accessible.

Following the visit, Astor Bannerman offered to manufacture and supply two pieces of specialist changing equipment completely free of charge as a contribution towards the new facility.

The new centre provides a purpose-built environment designed around the needs of its users. The Astor Mobile Changing Tables contribute to this by providing suitable facilities for those who require additional support with personal care.

Key benefits include:

• Greater dignity: Providing an appropriate and dedicated solution for changing and personal care.
• Improved accessibility: Specialist equipment helps ensure the facility can better accommodate users with a wide range of needs.
• Practical support for carers: Purpose-designed changing equipment can make personal care routines easier and more comfortable for those providing assistance.
• A more inclusive environment: Accessible facilities help ensure that young people and their families can make full use of the centre.
• Long-term value: The equipment will form part of the centre’s facilities as it continues to support young people and families in the years ahead.

Karen Woolford, Operations Manager at Building for the Future, thanked Astor Bannerman for its support:

“Thank you very much for your amazing donation of the two beautiful changing benches you kindly donated for our new centre.

I am pleased to say after a very busy few weeks that we opened to our users last week and are fully booked for all our summer sessions!

I wanted to send you some initial photos of the centre now it’s finished so you can see what you have helped us achieve for our young people!”

Karen also invited Astor Bannerman to attend the centre’s Official Opening on 12 October 2026, where Disability Minister Stephen Timms is due to officially open the facility.

We believe our work goes beyond manufacturing specialist care equipment. It is about helping create environments where people can live, learn, participate and receive care with dignity.

Being able to contribute to Building for the Future and its new centre is a project we are particularly proud to have supported. The fact that the centre is already fully booked for its summer sessions demonstrates the need for accessible, purpose-built facilities that provide meaningful opportunities for young people and their families.

We look forward to seeing the centre continue to grow and making a lasting difference to the people who use it.

If you’re looking to upgrade your changing facility or need advice on best practice for accessibility and clinical care environments, our team is always happy to help.