A CHARITY which helps adults with learning disabilities into fulfilling work is appealing to the public to help in its fundraising efforts for plans for a new headquarters.

Just The Job, based in Richmond, last month unveiled plans for its Big Green Build – an eco-friendly, fit-for-purpose site – but it has a long way to go in terms of funding the build.

The social enterprise is specifically asking people to 'buy a bale' as it needs 460 bales to build the walls. Straw bales are a low carbon alternative to foam insulation, are easy to build with and have highly fire resistant.

The Big Green Build will incorporate solar panels, green roof, reed bed water filtration, timber frame construction and straw bale insulation. £500,000 of private funding needs to be raised to fulfil this project.

Just The Job is offering three levels of support for people who want to help turn their vision into reality: bronze, for donations of up to £1,000, supporters will get exclusive site visits and can help place their bales in the wall; silver, for donations over £1,000, which will allow them to have their name carved into the larch cladding around the main entrance and windows; and gold, for donations over £10,000, for more choice in how your name is presented in the cladding.

Just The Job manager Steve Biggs said: "As a supporter you are helping Just the Job through the Big Green Build project. Your money will go directly into the building fund. Support benefits are open to individuals, businesses and groups."

He added: "Just the Job empowers adults with life challenges to reach their potential, where the service user’s abilities are recognised rather than their disabilities, as such challenging the preconception of their role within society and local communities.

"Our objectives are to provide an array of experiences for team members including work-based skills, training in a supported setting, personal and group learning and social events.

"Team members learn new skills, develop their confidence and improve their self-esteem, being part of Just the Job gives a sense of purpose and the opportunity to excel and succeed specific to their skills and talents."

Planning permission has been granted for the new facility, which hopes to incorporate specialist rooms for activities, and fully accessible toilets with changing equipment.

Contact Just The Job on 01748-822815.