Thursday, May 22, 2025

Local business rallies to revamp Life Skills Bungalow for special needs school

A group of employees from IntelliAM and 53 North Group (53N) have come together to support a heart-warming cause – transforming a special needs school’s tired and outdated Life Skills Bungalow into a vibrant, welcoming space for pupils.

The Life Skills Bungalow at The Willows School, Thurcroft, plays a vital role in helping students with additional needs to learn everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and personal care in a realistic home-like environment. However, years of wear and limited funding had left the facility in desperate need of a makeover.

IntelliAM and 53N stepped in to help. They pledged donations of materials, time and money to help breathe new life into the bungalow. Tesco in Dinnington, Wickes at Drakehouse and Carracks in Sheffield have also kindly donated paint, soft furnishings, and appliances.

Employees from IntelliAM and 53N have spent the week renovating every room in the bungalow and assembling furniture.

Rachael Booth, headteacher at The Willows School, said: “Our students rely on this space to build essential life skills. Thanks to the generosity of our local community, the bungalow will now reflect the dignity and care our pupils deserve.”

The school has also set up a JustGiving page to raise money towards the project and for future supplies the school may need. So far, they have raised £500 of their £2,000 target.

Jane Robinson, vice president of business development at IntelliAM, added: “At IntelliAM, giving back to our communities is very important to us. Supporting the renovation of the Life Skills Bungalow is more than just a project, it’s an investment in inclusion, opportunity, and a brighter future for everyone involved.”

The revamped Life Skills Bungalow is set to reopen next week, with pupils already looking forward to returning to a space that feels more like home.

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