Official Statement

Since our founding in 2018, Alexandra House of Joy has remained committed to building a centre of excellence for adults with severe and profound learning disabilities, and for the Primary Caregivers who support them.

​

That vision has not changed. However, due to external factors, including the significant rise in construction costs over the last seven years, we are adopting a new phased approach to delivering the build. This strategy ensures we move forward in a responsible, sustainable way - one that reflects the needs of our future guests, the realities of the current climate, and the generosity of our supporters to date.

​​

​

Context and Rationale

​When we registered with the Charity Commission in 2018, our ambition was to raise the full capital needed for a single-phase build, delivering all intended facilities at once. At that time, the projected cost for this build was £2.1 million. However, due to inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated supply chain challenges, the projected cost has now risen to approximately £3.6 million.

​

Following careful consultation with our Design Developer and Trustees, and in prayerful reflection on how best to honour the original purpose of Alexandra House of Joy, the decision has been made to pursue a three-phase construction model. This will enable us to begin supporting families sooner, while retaining the full scope of our long-term vision.

​

This approach is fully in keeping with the commitment we made publicly in our original planning materials. As outlined in our original vision disclaimer, published at the start of our fundraising journey.

​​

​

Overview of the Phased Build Plan​

​​

Phase One: Core Operational Centre

​

A purpose-built centre including:

​

• Four ensuite bedrooms with individual patios

• One assisted bathroom and accessible WC facilities

• Sluice room, nurses’ station, and staff room

• Communal dining area and fully equipped kitchen (built to final footprint specification)

• Reception area

• Three bespoke activity rooms offering daytime support (e.g. music, arts and crafts, sensory therapy)

​

This standalone first phase has been designed to function independently, while also anticipating future expansion. All critical infrastructure (e.g. kitchen, utilities) will be installed at full scale from the outset to avoid disruptive internal work later.

​

​

Phase Two: Therapeutic Expansion

​

• Two additional ensuite bedrooms

• Hydrotherapy pool

• Two further activity rooms

​

This phase will be constructed externally, with no disruption to the operation of Phase One until final integration.

​​

​

Phase Three: Hospice and End-of-Life Care

​

• Two high-dependency hospice bedrooms with ensuite facilities

• Family stayover flat

• Chapel of rest

• One additional activity room

• Convalescent support services for individuals post-hospital discharge

​

This final phase will be bolted onto the main building and is designed to require only minimal closure (e.g. one weekend) during structural integration.

​​

As of June 2025, Alexandra House of Joy has raised over £950,000. This puts us in a strong and hopeful position to prepare for Phase One construction, projected to begin in 2026.

​

This phased plan represents a careful and deliberate response to changing circumstances. It honours the original promise made to our supporters and preserves the long-term goal of a centre that provides both short-term respite and holistic end-of-life care.

​

We remain deeply grateful to our supporters, funders, volunteers, and community for walking alongside us. We are excited to move forward with renewed energy and hope - and we invite all who believe in this mission to continue standing with us as we begin this new chapter.

​

For additional details or to discuss partnership or funding opportunities, please contact us at alexandrahouseofjoy@gmail.com or visit our website at www.alexandrahouseofjoy.org.​