Caring for Carers

This project demonstrates the development and process of the transformative journey to redefine the healthcare experience. By infusing a profound sense of community within our facility.

The intent for this project is to create an environment surpasses traditional medical care, embracing a holistic approach that prioritises human connection, collaboration and wellbeing - with hopes to bring health back on to the high street on Bournemouth. The facility would operate by serving as drop-in centre, where unpaid carers could leave the ones in which they care for in safe hands and they could then receive some respite from their caring duties.

Additionally, the users will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and activities within the space. As well as having the opportunity to successful integrate back into society - utilising the café aspect of this facility.

At the core of this project is the users, in this case the focused users are unpaid carers, the care receivers and families of both/either group. In Bournemouth, 2021 more than 1:20 people were providing unpaid care, a number of which is only growing. How healthcare systems were run was highlighted through the COVID-19 pandemic - so to neglect the observations made from this would be unjust to the community. Healthcare should extend beyond treatments and should be about cultivating an inclusive, supportive and empowering community - which will be done in this project through thoughtful design, innovative spaces and a more patient-centric approach. Aiming to redesign healthcare landscapes.

This endeavour is grounded on the fact that a strong sense of community within healthcare settings not only enhances patient care but also elevates the overall quality of life for every involved. Good design is vital when coming to reimagine healthcare, fostering a community-driven approach that empowers, supports and enriches the lives of people on the Bournemouth high street.