Teens UniteÂ
Featured Project
Teens UniteÂ
At enims, we’re proud to support projects that deliver lasting benefits for both people and the environment. One such project is the creation of The Home of Teens Unite, which will become the first retreat in England dedicated to supporting teenagers and young adults living with, and beyond, cancer. The vision behind the project is to provide a permanent, fully accessible space where young people can rebuild confidence, develop new skills, form lasting friendships and access the support they need following a cancer diagnosis. Once operational, the retreat is expected to significantly increase the charity’s ability to support young people from across the UK.
Founded in 2007, Teens Unite was established after recognising that whilst many young people successfully overcome cancer medically, the lasting impacts on their mental health, confidence, education, employment prospects and social connections often continue long after treatment ends. Today, the charity provides vital support to young people aged 13-24 through activities, residential stays and development programmes designed to help them thrive, not just survive.
Following the granting of planning permission earlier this year, the project has moved into an exciting new phase. Supoorted by VolkerWessels UK, a growing team of specialists has been working behind the scenes to deliver the various pre-construction surveys and investigations needed to prepare the site for development.
As part of this process, enims was delighted to provide ecological support to the project team. Our involvement commenced with a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), undertaken to identify habitats present on site, determine any ecological constraints and provide recommendations for further assessment where required. Early ecological input is an important part of the development process, helping to ensure protected species and habitats are appropriately considered as design and construction plans progress.
Following the findings of the PEA, enims went on to support the project with Great Crested Newt (GCN) surveys. Given the suitability of habitats within the local area and the need to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation, a precautionary approach was adopted to provide confidence that the project could continue to progress responsibly whilst protecting local biodiversity. By working collaboratively with the wider project team, we were able to support the ecological assessment process and provide the information required to help inform subsequent project decisions.
What makes this project particularly special is the social value it will deliver. The Home of Teens Unite represents far more than a construction project; it is the creation of a place designed specifically to support young people facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances. The retreat will provide opportunities for connection, recovery, personal development and long-term wellbeing to thousands of young people and their families for generations to come.
Every survey completed, every assessment undertaken and every milestone reached brings The Home of Teens Unite one step closer to becoming a reality, and we are excited to continue supporting the journey and see the outcome.
We are proud to play a small part in helping bring this vision to life and are grateful for the opportunity to support both Teens Unite and VolkerWessels UK on such a meaningful scheme. We look forward to continuing our involvement as the project progresses through its next milestones and towards construction, ensuring ecological considerations remain an integral part of delivering this remarkable facility.