Working with the Amber Foundation – helping homeless, unemployed young people

We’re serious about our social responsibilities and aim to make a positive difference and lasting impact – so when asked to help the Amber Foundation, we didn’t hesitate.

Amber helps homeless, unemployed young people move on to positive, independent futures. Based at three residential centres in Devon, Wiltshire and Surrey, Amber offers a supported housing environment, training and enrichment experiences to raise aspirations and challenge residents to take responsibility for their lives and move forward positively.

Through Podium’s work with LandAid, we were put in touch with Amber to carry out a site survey and assessment of previous reports on the condition of Farm Place in Dorking, Surrey. Farm Place comprises the main house, a coach house and a series of ancillary buildings.

Our report assessed the accuracy and appropriateness of an earlier condition report and added further insight and context to the works that would be allowed to the main house, a 17th century, listed building. Our report recommended the priority of works to maintain the property over the short-to-long term – with our recommendations aimed at minimising cost to the foundation.

Our report primarily concentrates on the main house and coach house, where we looked at the roof, walls, windows & doors, basement, drainage, mechanical & electrical installations and internal finishes, plus the ground generally where it impacted on the property.

Our final report included proposed works sequencing, how to approach the local authority in respect listed building and planning consent, effects of external components/materials on the timber frame structure and the further investigations required. We also provided a series of suggested thermal improvements that could be made, based on the construction and listed status of the building.

Everyone at Podium is so glad to have helped Amber and support them in their ‘dreams and desires’ work to build up the skills and qualifications of individual and develop their resilience and purpose to turn their lives around.