Renovation works are well underway to convert a former care-home into a vibrant, modern housing complex that will offer a new all-encompassing ‘health, housing and care’ service for adults with learning disabilities.
‘Ty Eirlys’ is located close to the City Centre; the Victorian-style building will comprise 14 apartments, staff sleep-over accommodation, a communal lounge, craft and activity room and a large landscaped garden, enabling residents to live independently with the ability to call on support if needed.
Ian Oliver, Reach’s head of service, Wales said “This new model of housing and support represents a different way of supporting people living with learning disabilities in the community. In addition to being a more innovative service model, residents will enjoy greater independence, benefitting from more individual choices and have an increased control and greater freedom over their day to day lives.”
This new, more holistic approach to housing and supporting people with learning disabilities will help bridge the gap between traditional supported living and people living independently in the community.
The £1.5m project will be funded through social housing grant. It is lead by Reach, in close partnership with Newport City Council, Welsh Government and local builders Willis Construction. Charter Housing will be the owner of the building, landlord to the tenants and provide all of the maintenance services
Councillor Paul Cockeram, Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Housing, said: “This promises to be an exemplar scheme for people with learning disabilities, providing them with an opportunity to develop skills and independence in a supportive environment.
“I am delighted that we have been able to work closely with Reach and the Welsh Government and will be able to offer a new choice of housing in an accessible and sustainable location, close to good facilities. This is clearly partnership working at its best.”
This service also clearly fits with the Social Services and WellBeing (Wales) Act which came into force on 6th April 2016. The Act aims to drive forward control and choice for individuals – people will have more of a say in the care and support they receive.
Article created – 30th August 2016
