THE North Devon Hospice’s outreach centre The Long House, in Holsworthy, has caught the eye of the construction would after being nominated for two building excellence awards.

Opened in September 2015, The Long House allows people from the surrounding area to access care and support from North Devon Hospice without the need for a two-hour round trip to the charity’s main base in Barnstaple.

The impact of the building has already been evident in the community with nearly 1,000 support sessions having already been provided — these sessions have been offered to those affected by cancer or other life-limiting illnesses.

The building has now been acknowledged by being nominated in the LABC South West Building Excellence Awards.

Catherine Faulkner, from North Devon Hospice, was the project manager for The Long House and she said ‘the award nominations were a testament to the impact the building is having’, adding: “We’d been nominated for Best Public Service Building and that is because the panel realised what a difference The Long House has already made to the communities surrounding Holsworthy.

“The extra care and support we’re able to offer is really changing people’s lives. One couple we’re currently supporting said to us that there are two things keeping them going at the moment, one is their grandson, the other is The Long House.”

Catherine explained that the building’s inclusive design was also acknowledged by the award nominations, adding: “We were highly commended in the Best Inclusive Building category, which shows that we went above and beyond to make sure the building was as accessible and sustainable as possible.

“It is a proud moment for all involved and we’d like to thank the architects, NPS Group, as well as the many other contractors who made it all possible.

“Our biggest thanks go to the people of Holsworthy and the surrounding area, because it is only through your generous donations that we’re able to be here for local people.

“So please continue to support North Devon Hospice, so we can continue to provide this essential care in your area.”

Claire Walkey, from architects NPS Group, said it was a pleasure to be involved, she said: “We were all so passionate about this project because we knew what a difference it would make to local people.

“Now that it has been recognised by the construction industry, and we’ve also seen the many people who have benefitted, it confirms what we already knew.

“This is a truly special building and we’re so pleased to have played a part in delivering it to the community.”

To find out how to support the care being provided at The Long House, visit the website www.northdevonhospice.org.uk or call 01271 347232.

To find out how to access care and support from North Devon Hospice at The Long House, speak to a GP and ask for a referral.