A former Natwest Bank in Prescot has underwent an unrecognisable transformation - and will now offer a vital service to the community.
Six years ago, mum-of-four Debbie O'Brien, from Huyton, struggled to find a day centre where her daughter Jodie could socialise and her complex needs would be met.
Jodie, 25, has multiple health needs, including cerebral palsy, severe learning developmental delay, encephalitis, Lennox Gastuat syndrome, short-term memory loss, cirrhosis, kyphosis, osteoporosis, hypopituitarism, edema and a rare disease called panhypopituitarism.
Fearful her daughter was becoming isolated, Debbie decided to set up her own club for adults and their families in Kirkby .
Through Al's Club, Debbie met fellow-mum Andrea Evans, originally from Halewood , who attended with her son Callam James Jones, 29.
Callam, who has autism, has defied the odds through his life, having a double heart bypass, kidney failure and now being 5 years in remission.
Forming a close bond and wanting to make a change, the pair teamed up to offer a bespoke service for adults aged 18 and over with disabilities and complex medical needs.
Transforming the former Natwest Bank on Eccleston Street in Prescot , Al's Activity Respite Centre (Arc) officially launched in the town this week - and the response has been overwhelming.
Director Andrea Evans, 51, said: "My son Callam, he's the one who inspires me more than anyone else in the world.
"I'm so glad that we've done this.
"It hasn't been easy because I've juggled my own job, but I knew what the end goal would be and it's going to be an absolute honour working alongside Debbie.
"Years ago adults with disabilities were told that they had to fit into society.
"We're here to re-educate society and our guys are going to be told they no longer need to try and fit in.
"They are the community, they are society and there is no reason on this earth why they shouldn't be valued and accepted."
Al's Arc offers everything from an aromatherapy room and sensory room to a mini gym, a variety of activity sessions and more.
The space is also available for other community groups to use in the evenings, as well as having subletting offices upstairs.
Founder Debbie O'Brien, 47, said: "I do know and I do believe that the two of us together are going to transform adult services for the better.
"We want our members out in the community doing what we do, they're just going to have some guidance and support.
"Everyone has given up their time to help us with this project.
"We've had a team of different tradesman in and the transformation to us has been huge."
Al's Arc received dozens of donations and support from neighbours, local businesses and Knowsley Council - as well as help from family-friend Graham in completing the buildings transformation.
The pair said they also received emotional support from others in the community, including Social Growth Officer Jacqui Meadows and Eileen from Breast Mates, a local support group who will also be utilising the space.
Andrea said: "This is a dream come true. This is our children's future and their children's future and this is all about saying disability belongs.
"We're not in competition with any other disability service. We are going to be enabling every single day and if we can enable any other services to promote themselves and be more successful then that's what we'll do."
John Maddox, operations manager at Structec N.W. Limited said: "Much of the work that we do in Knowsley is centred around adaptations to the homes of people with disabilities, so we were delighted when Debbie invited us to get involved and provide some help to get this wonderful facility off the ground.
"The passion of those at the heart of this much needed community project is truly inspirational and will make Al's Arc a huge success."
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “I’m delighted that Al’s Arc has opened its doors in Prescot, providing much-needed services here in the borough.
"The services they are offering will really benefit young adults in Knowsley, helping them to develop their skills, confidence and independent living.
"This is a great example of Knowsley Better Together in action – seeing people and organisations coming together for the benefit of Knowsley and its residents. I wish them well and look forward to visiting.”
For more information email: thearcprescot@gmail.com
