Grant funds renovation of adapted bungalows that help students prepare for independent life after college

Residential students at Derwen College in Gobowen will be able to extend the skills required to help them live more independently thanks to a grant from the Bernard Sunley Foundation.

The bungalows are part of the Agnes Hunt Village that is a small development of residences where young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) learn skills to prepare them for a more independent life after college, including moving out of home into supported living.

The complex of 28 bungalows was the vision of Dame Agnes Hunt - founder of both Derwen College and The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. Residents first moved into the bungalows during 1955 - a decade after Dame Agnes’ death.

And, after nearly 70 years of use, the bungalows are being refurbished and adapted to meet the needs of college students with SEND. 

Director of Finance and Sustainability Andrew Smith thanked The Bernard Sunley Foundation for supporting the project, saying: "The Agnes Hunt Village bungalows offer students the perfect step towards a more independent future. As they progress from larger residences to smaller homes with gradually less staff support they are proud to live in their own homes with friends with their friends, taking more responsibility for themselves, their homes and their day-to-day living. 

"Many of our students have been keen and able to progress into supported living after college because of their newfound independence."

Bernard Sunley Foundation director, Sue Davies added: "Trustees were very interested to hear about the work that has been achieved to date. We are delighted to be supporting this next phase of works, and wish Derwen College all the very best with the renovations."

Students at Derwen College, Brendan and James are housemates who live together in one of the 28 bungalows.

James, who is a Horticulture student, said: "I've learnt to be independent. I make my own bed and make my own food. I can cook anything, especially pasta. 

"I set an alarm on my phone to get to work for 9am. I'm never late.

"We share jobs in the house. I do the cooking and Brendan does the washing up.

"Hopefully, I’ll be able to move into my own home after college."

Brendan, who is a Hospitality and Food student, added: "Being in the bungalows has made me more independent and given me a sense of freedom.

"We are taught ILS (independent living sessions) and also help each other out around the bungalow. 

"Living at college means we’re living and working together 24/7. I've learnt lots and met so many lovely people.

"I used to live in one of the bungalows which is now being updated, so a big thank you to the Bernard Sunley Foundation."