Specific need
Women's Centre seeks architectural and engineering support to improve accessibility and redesign its listed building
Location
Eastern region
Organisation
Luton All Women's Centre
Reference No.
26 754
What do they need help with?
Luton All Women’s Centre is looking for pro bono support from architects and engineers to improve accessibility and redesign the interior of its newly purchased building in central Luton.
The charity has recently acquired a large, three-storey listed building, providing an opportunity to develop its facilities and create a more inclusive and welcoming space for women accessing its services.
Operating across Luton and Bedford, the charity provides vital support to women who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, trauma and mental health challenges. Many of the women they support face significant barriers to accessing safe spaces and essential services.
The charity is seeking pro bono expertise to support the following improvements:
- Disabled access: Assessing the existing external access arrangements and providing advice on repairing or replacing the current ramp, or installing a suitable lift to improve accessibility.
- Accessible toilet facilities: Designing a new accessible toilet to ensure the building better meets the needs of women with disabilities or mobility requirements.
Ground-floor redesign: Developing architectural plans to transform a large downstairs space into several functional areas, including:
- A coffee shop
- A charity shop
- A separate room for food-related and craft activities
- A welcoming reception area
As the property is a listed building, professional advice will be particularly valuable in identifying appropriate design solutions that balance accessibility, functionality and the building’s heritage requirements.
Having already purchased the property, the charity is now seeking the technical expertise needed to develop practical designs and identify suitable approaches to the proposed improvements.
The request does not currently specify the building’s floor area, dimensions or an allocated project budget. These details may need to be established as part of the initial consultation and design process.
Improving the building will help Luton All Women’s Centre deliver its services in a more accessible, supportive and welcoming environment.
The charity also plays an important role in supporting young women aged 18 and over who may need to leave their homes to escape abuse. Many women accessing its services have children and face homelessness or housing insecurity as a result of seeking safety.
By contributing their professional expertise, property industry partners can help the charity improve its facilities and strengthen the support available to women and families facing difficult and often life-changing circumstances.
Timeline
As soon as possible
About the organisation
Luton All Women’s Centre is a charity that has supported women and girls across Luton and Bedfordshire for over 30 years. Through its two Women’s Centres in Luton and Bedford, the charity helps women affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, childhood trauma, discrimination and mental health challenges.
The organisation supports approximately 1,500 women each year, including around 1,200 in Luton and 300 in Bedford.
Its services include one-to-one practical and emotional support, professional counselling, psychoeducational groups, employability programmes and health and wellbeing activities. The charity also raises awareness of gender inequality and delivers training on issues including domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Its work helps women improve their personal safety, build confidence, reduce isolation and develop the skills needed to access employment, education and training.
The charity also supports young women aged 18 and over who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, particularly those escaping abusive relationships or unsafe family environments.
Through its services, Luton All Women’s Centre helps women build safer, healthier and more independent futures.