Children respond to children’s care homes revamp

19.06.06

Vulnerable young people are better behaved after interior designers redecorate and de-institutionalise children’s care homes, a pilot scheme has found.

The project, which transformed residential homes in South Lanarkshire Council, found youngsters responded well to better standards of furniture and decor.

Graven Images, responsible for some of the most stylish venues in Glasgow, including the Tinderbox coffee bar in Byres Road, Glasgow, was commissioned to work closely with children, staff, a colour psychologist and architects to ensure new homes provide quality house design and interiors which were safe, warm and welcoming.

The results had a noticeable effect on children’s relationships, improving their ability to interact with peers and staff.

All of the houses now have a combined kitchen and dining area which has become the hub of the house. Children and young people also now enjoy more individual bedroom space and a choice of lounge areas where they can meet family and friends.

Additional investment has gone in to make sure the homes also provide an educationally-rich environment. The designers have also been involved in the design of the garden and play areas.

Catherine Docherty, director of Farm7, the design organisation which evaluated the scheme for the Scottish Executive, said: "South Lanarkshire Council identified the need to improve the quality of residential accommodation for looked-after children and young people.

"Central to this was the recognition that existing residential homes did not provide a positive environment for children and young people. They were large, more than 20 years old, problematic to maintain, and with largely institutional interiors. Both the architecture and interior design of a space can have an impact on relationships and can help or hinder social interaction.

“Some staff considered that quality furniture and fittings were aspirational and positively impacted on young people’s self-esteem.”

More than £6m has been spent in the past three years to upgrade existing residential child care homes in the local authority area. Officials said the investment enabled the children and young people to have a greater sense of identity, integration and self-worth.

A council spokeswoman said: “The houses have been designed to provide a very good balance of space, light and accommodation which helps staff to work directly with the children to ensure that they can enjoy everyday life experiences, and that they become fully integrated into their communities.”