Respect4us in Norwich

Respect4us has been operating at permanent premises in Mason Road, Norwich since 2010

Over the summer break 2011 we completely re-modelled our premises.  The two industrial units are now linked together and are much more homely.  At the centre is a brand new kitchen (kindly supplied by Magnet).  The kitchen links over a breakfast bar with the young people's relaxation room containing a wall mounted 50" tv which is used for various computer games and watching dvds.  On another side of the kitchen is a door to our well-equipped workshops and on the side opposite that is our training room. 

The Kitchen

When our young people arrive they make themselves hot drinks and toast, or help themselves to cereal.  The day starts over breakfast!  When everyone has had enough to eat we talk about what we are going to do that day.  During this time individual problems sometimes become apparent e.g. a young person having spent the night out after an argument at home or a parent having been taken into hospital during the night.  We have enough staff to be able to talk the problem through and if necessary help find practical soluitions.  

We always sit down for lunch around the table - if there are too many young people to all fit in the kitchen we have another table in the relaxation room or we move into the training room.  We consider the social skills of sitting at a table, sharing food, talking and serving each other to be among the most important life skills we teach.  Very often young people will help prepare the meal and sometimes take responsibility for it entirely, including planning, working to a budget, and shopping as well as cooking.

Training Room

The training room  is the part of our premises most like a classroom.  After breakfast each day starts with literacy and numeracy along with discussions around the table, team planning and individual research and study.

The relaxation room 

is equipped with TV, DVD, and X-box games.  Pool and table tennis are also popular recreational activities.

The workshop

Currently the workshop is used for our "Up-cycling project" . Using discarded pallets we make and sell seasonal goods. The candle holders made from pallets went really well before christmas.  In the process we teach about enterprise, marketing, team work and many life and social skills that are invaluable for when the young people go on into employment or set up their own businesses.