The first bricks have been laid for the £1.75m refurbishment of the Quadrant, Langdon's flagship project for young Jewish adults with learning disabilities.

Jonathan Joseph, Langdon's patronage campaign chair, welcomed donors, local dignitaries and service users to a ceremony to mark the start of the rebuilding of the Edgware site.

Flanked by his daughter, Gabs, who lives within Langdon's supported living community, Mr Joseph thanked everyone for their support.

He explained that the Quadrant will house a 24/7 drop-in centre, training rooms for vocational, educational and life skills training and additional accommodation with disabled access. The Quadrant will also be available for use by Langdon residents in Manchester as well as community members with learning disabilities who do not live within Langdon but would benefit from its services.

Mayor of Barnet Cllr Lisa Rutter laid the first brick, followed by Mr Joseph. Carrie Rubin and representatives from The Oxford and St George's Trust, who have supported the project, also took part.

Chief executive Alison Rosen said refurbishing the Quadrant "will provide a haven for young Jewish adults who struggle daily with a myriad of difficulties. We are very excited by the wide range of services Langdon will be able to offer in the future from the building."