HRH Princess Royal see’s our work visiting BASIC brain and spinal injury unit
Written on September 25, 2009 at 10:06 am, by adminWe were approached by BASIC brain and spinal injury unit a few months ago. they asked if we would like to donate some disabled rise and fall equipment and replace their existing kitchen. Well the work has now been completed and there has been a visit from HRH Princess Royal to view our work and find out a little about how we started in the industry.
Bronze status for continued support…
Written on September 25, 2009 at 9:35 am, by admin
We are very pleased and proud to announce that The College of Occupational Therapists has just awarded bronze status to Regency Kitchens for our continuing support.
At the No Limits show, London
Written on September 25, 2009 at 9:30 am, by adminHaving taken the decision to exhibit at the No Limits show at ExCeL Centre, London, we found we had a very positive response to the products which we showcased – especially the Pressalit rise and fall system and the Chefs Pantry.
Many visitors to the show were amazed to find such products were available – which was part of the main reason we decided to do the show in the first place. An estimated 5000 people, healthcare professionals and the general public alike, passed through the show over the 2 days, many showing very strong interest in Regency Disability Solutions, as we were the only adapted kitchen specialist at the show.
Working & Learning in Southwark College’s New Kitchen
Written on September 25, 2009 at 9:22 am, by adminWe recently installed a new kitchen for Munchies Cafe, in the department of ‘Inclusive Learning’ at Southwark College. The cafe is run by students in the department, who all suffer from learning disabilities.
In their proposal, they wrote about the problems they were having working with disabled students in their current kitchen:
The main aim of this new enterprise is to establish a well-run and professional catering outlet for Southwark College, run by students from the inclusive learning department. Our Café is a real working environment, which will encourage our students to become more confident, build self esteem, and give them the ability to learn the skills required to eventually find work in the industry, in a safe working environment.
The quote from the company (Regency Kitchens) have included new ovens, and separate hobs, this will help with wheel chair users with independent skills. Extractor fans, which will comply with health and safety regulations, stainless steel sinks and adapted taps, this will enable student’s easier access. We will also be having the dishwasher moved to a more suitable position, and a hand washbasin installed at a height that will enable all students to access it. This again will comply with food safety regulations. After completion of the kitchen, there should also be extra storage space, and new tiling, which will all aid the cleanliness and comply with all food safety regulations.
The kitchen although workable at the moment does not comply with food safety regulations, and does not allow students with wheelchairs access to sinks, ovens or hobs. This in itself does not promote equality, and is hindering students who want to learn more independent skills. We are all hoping the new proposals will go ahead, as all students and staff who are involved with the Café and cooking skills really enjoy the challenge and I personally would like to promote the department and the skills of the students.
We at Regency Kitchens are experts in accessible kitchens, so we knew we’d be able to help them out, and during the last week of the holidays we cleared out their old kitchen and installed their new one.
Julie Irvine was so impressed she just had to put pen to paper, and she sent us this letter:
The department of ‘Inclusive Learning’ is running a ‘City and Guild progression into work’ course, and I am running a small Café to teach students skills, and help them gain work experience in catering. We needed a new kitchen to enable students with disabilities to access all the equipment. This will enable students to train in catering and customer service skills, therefore giving the students the skills they need to possibly join the work force, in the future. After several meetings and discussions with Regency Kitchens and several heads of department, Southwark College had the go ahead for a brand new kitchen.
Regency Kitchens arranged to come into College the last week of term. I had cleared most of the equipment into storage, leaving the old empty cupboards ready to be taken out. The chaps arrived and cleared out the old kitchen into a skip, leaving an empty shell ready for the new equipment. This was to include a rise and fall table, a rise and fall hob and sink and a rise and fall wall cupboard.
Regency Kitchens arranged everything for us, and all the new equipment arrived on time and in pristine condition. The men from Regency worked solidly all week and consulted with me when required throughout the week, as to the actual positioning of certain items (large rise and fall island etc). During the week the work involved: -
- Taking out all the old kitchen cupboards, ovens and sinks, etc
- Arranging the disposal of all the old equipment
- Tiling of all walls
- Installation of large island, wall and floor cupboards, ovens and hobs x 3, sinks x 2, hand washbasin plus all fitments
- Re-location of fridge/ freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.
I was amazed that the installation only took the week, as it is a large area. When everything was in place, the paperwork and instructions for equipment were explained and filled in. The whole process, from start to finish, due to the expertise of Regency Kitchens, was stress free and uncomplicated. I now have the special equipment I need for my students who will be able to progress in the skills of catering, in a safe hygienic and accessible kitchen.
The students are extremely excited about their new kitchen, and are fascinated with the rise and fall wall cupboard, as are the staff! I would be more than happy to recommend Regency Kitchens, as I have found them to be extremely professional experts in their field, who are also efficient in their work, with good customer and aftercare service.