One of Antur Waunfawr’s latest developments is a “retreat bungalow” offering respite to individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
Antur Waunfawr describes themselves as a social enterprise offering employment, training, well-being and volunteering opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
Established in 1982, Antur Waunfawr is a progressive enterprise whose approach is multi-faceted. The main site is located at Bryn Pistyll in the village of Waunfawr, Gwynedd, but they have other bases in Caernarfon offering bike hire and repair services, confidential shredding, and y Wawrws Werdd that sells new and second hand furniture and clothing.
But recently the innitiative has been working on a new development in the village of Waunfawr. The bungalow is intended to be an accessible and purpose-built retreat providing short breaks for vulnerable individuals and their families or guardians.
Antur Waunfawr owns a 7 acre site in the centre of the village on the former site of Capel Bethel. There is a park and gardens, Blas y Waun Café, a shop selling local produce and crafts, and Tirmon, a vegetable garden that promotes healthy eating.
But Antur Waunfawr’s new respite bungalow opens a new chapter in the enterprise’s history, and it’s the culmination of over 5 years of planning and development.
Menna Jones, Chief Executive of Antur Waunfawr, has discussed the importance of the bungalow:
“The holiday bungalow is a key development that not only provides a vital respite for the families, but is a rounded experience for the individuals as well.
“The house is accessible to wheelchair users, and kitchen cabinets have been adapted to suit the needs of visitors.
“In addition, there are games that make use of the senses in the bungalow, which enhance the visitor experience.”
In addition to the respite bungalow, two new houses for 4 tenants with learning disabilities have been built on the site. The final cost of the whole development was just over £1m, and was partly funded by grants received from Cyfenter through Menter Mon.
Menna Jones continued:
“2020 and 2021 were a two tough years for us all, but the pandemic hit some in society disproportionately, and people with disabilities faced unique challenges.
“But the bungalow was a haven for individuals and families in difficult times.
“It’s also a bungalow that belongs to the local area, with upholstery work done by a local artist, Cefyn Burgess, and the artwork provided by Panorama Cymru.
“In addition, it’s home to the bardic chair of the Waunfawr Village Eisteddfod, 1948. It was reupholstered by Cefyn.”
Tomos Jones is a social support worker, and has visited the respite bungalow with a local individual. He has mentioned the “positive impact” of the bungalow on mental health.
“It’s never an easy decision to leave a loved one or family member in the care of someone else, even for just an afternoon or a day.
“It’s a particularly hard choice when the person is a child, because they are more dependent, and they may need more complex support for their disabilities and health needs.
“Antur Waunfawr’s houses are tailored for a whole array of needs. Their strength lies in their versatility, with open-plan rooms, wheelchair access and multi-sensory technology.
“A short time away from a child can have a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health, while being at ease that they are in the hands of a specially trained carer.
“It also impacts positively on the lives of individuals who use the bungalow.
“As a care-giver I visit the bungalow with a young man who calls the house “Waunfawr Hotel” which highlights that the bungalow is not just a night away from home, but an exciting experience.”
