Project snapshot

Property purchase and conversion, and refinance of existing debt
To meet the need for new homes in the community for people with learning disabilities

The cause

Field Lane has been caring for people since 1841. Their team provides care and support services for vulnerable families and adults with learning disabilities. A large part of this is done through supported housing – providing people with a comfortable home in their community.


Our support 

We first worked with Field Lane in 2015, providing loans to refinance their existing debt and purchase a property for supported housing. Since then, we have provided over £2m of loan finance, helping Field Lane to provide more people with a safe and comfortable home. For their latest project, our loan of £380,500 helped the charity purchase a terraced house in Crawley, West Sussex.


When we looked at the various proposals, it was actually a fairly easy decision for us. CAF Bank, stood, for us, head and shoulders above the rest.

Peter Calderbank
Field Lane Foundation


For Peter Calderbank, CEO of Field Lane, it was charity expertise that made CAF Bank the natural partner for them. He said: “The high street banks didn’t really understand the financial model, and that’s where CAF Bank were really helpful.

“I found working with CAF Bank very easy. They’ve been a pleasure to work with. They’ve always been flexible and helpful. It’s been a very straightforward process for us. And I hope we’ll be able to continue that relationship for many years to come.”


The impact 

With the building conversion in Crawley complete, the property is now home to six of the charity's clients – who are delighted to have a place of their own in the community.

Filmed after completion of a similar project, Paula Trevaskis, who manages one of Field Lane’s properties in Redhill, spoke about the importance of providing a safe and inclusive space for people in need of support.

Paula said: “We have adults who are making a transition, moving into a new property to begin their life as an adult and become part of a community. Having a calm, comfortable home is really important to them.

“They’re accessing the community in the way that I, and everyone else is.”

Sean Taylor, CAF Bank’s Client Relations Manager, was involved in supporting the project. He was impressed to see the sense of community and inclusion that the charity helps to create.

He said: “Field Lane’s work can change the world for some of the most vulnerable in our society. The foundation provides that care and looks to expand it. Getting to know the key staff and the organisation’s objectives helps make sure that I work with them in partnership; and it is rewarding to see the impact of these projects on residents’ health and wellbeing.”

Project takeaways 

Needs-led property strategy

Field Lane have developed a property strategy built upon understanding the needs of their beneficiaries, the requirements of service commissioners and the economics of how long-term support is funded.

Blend of skills and experience

Project planning starts with stakeholder needs and looks to fulfil their objectives with a clear strategy, backed by a blend of care, commercial and project management skills and experience.


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Loan applications subject to credit assessment. Security will be required.

Charity assets may be at risk if you do not keep up with the repayments for a mortgage, loan or any other debt secured on them.

If you're thinking of consolidating existing borrowing, you should be aware that you may be extending the term of the debt and increasing the total amount you pay.

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