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Valley Brook

From Disused Spaces to Purpose-Driven Places

Opened in 2025, the Valley Brook Campus represents a landmark shift in how we support our community. This first-of-its-kind initiative saw the transformation of three disused student housing blocks into a vibrant, 53-unit supported accommodation facility.

What was once empty space is now a lifeline. While the VBC initially opened its doors to provide high-quality housing for those experiencing rough sleeping, its mission is expanding. Our future phases include dedicated wings for care leavers and asylum seekers, ensuring that those at a crossroads in their lives have a safe, stable place to call home.

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Repurposing unused student accommodation for supported housing is a powerful example of innovation with heart. Our team offers psychologically informed, wraparound support which truly changes lives, moving people toward stability, dignity, and long-term independence.

 

Becky Parke, Deputy CEO

Impact by the Numbers

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individuals supported annually

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residents successfully transitioned into stable accommodation.

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residents have already secured employment and re-entered the workforce.

Barlow Activities

Daily Community Breakfast Club 

A relaxed morning space for service users to start their day together with tea, toast, and cereal. This session fosters routine and provides a friendly environment for a morning chat.
When: Daily (Monday – Sunday) | 9:30am – 10:30am
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Monday Cooked Breakfast Club (Coming Soon)

A hearty, cooked breakfast session to kickstart the week. This activity focuses on nutrition and bringing the community together for a shared hot meal.
When: Every Monday | 10am (Official start date TBC)
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Wellbeing Walks & Hiking 

Guided walks through scenic areas, including regular trips to the Peak District. These sessions promote physical fitness and mental wellbeing, offering residents a chance to explore nature, boost their confidence, and enjoy time outside of the urban environment.
When: Every Tuesday | 10:30am – 3:00pm
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Art & Gardening Group 

A creative and therapeutic session held in our community garden or lounge. Residents develop gardening skills and artistic expression, growing herbs and vegetables that are later used to season and enhance our communal meals.
When: Every Wednesday | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
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Organic Community Cooking (with Lisa) 

A group cooking lesson focused on healthy, organic meals. Using fresh ingredients provided by the facilitator, residents learn to prepare nutritious dishes, incorporating the herbs and vegetables they have grown themselves in our garden to add a personal touch to every meal.
When: Every Wednesday | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
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Community Meal & Games Night

A collaborative session where residents work with staff to prepare large, wholesome meals like cottage pie, jacket potatoes, or curry for the house. This is often rotated with social quiz or games nights to build teamwork and community spirit.
Every Thursday | 4:00pm – 6:00pm – for quiz | 2pm- 6:30 pm – for communal meal.
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Girls Night 

A dedicated monthly space for our female residents to come together and socialise, fostering a supportive peer network through various group activities.
Once per month (Date varies) | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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Men’s Club (Launching Soon!) 

A new social group designed for male residents to connect, share hobbies, and build community in a relaxed setting.
When: TBC 
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Davenport Activities

Wellbeing Programmes (Exercise, Fitness)

A guided wellness session involving light exercises, stretching, fitness routines, and short outdoor walks designed to improve physical health, reduce stress, and support mental well-being.

When: Wednesdays and Saturdays | 2-3hrs

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Let’s Talk Sessions

An open and supportive discussion space where residents share their thoughts and lived experiences, helping to build confidence, improve communication skills, and promote emotional well-being through guided conversations.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 1hour 30mins session

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Starting Point/Games Night (PlayStation 5, Card Games & Pool Games)

A fun and engaging social session featuring console, card, friendly competitions, social interaction, and relaxation.

When: Thursdays (17:30-19:30) and Sundays | 2-3 hours session

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Movie Night & Football Viewing (Premier League)

An enjoyable group experience of movie watching and live football matches, designed to promote social bonding, and positive leisure time.

When: Mondays and Saturdays | 2-3hrs

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Cooking Sessions

We have made it a New Year’s resolution to taste all the delicacies from all the countries our residents are from to encourage social inclusion and to further emphasise cultural diversity.

When: Once every month.

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