Andy Munns
A new supported living scheme for adults with learning disabilities which provides support so they can be independent and be part of the community, has opened in Salisbury.
Adult social care provider National Care Group worked with Wiltshire Council and Golden Lane Housing to develop a fully refurbished bungalow accommodating three people. The new residents have already settled into their new homes.
Wiltshire Council invested in the new accommodation and service after a survey was carried out with parent carers and young people. They were asked about needs and any gaps in provision.
Several commented on the need for more accommodation, especially in their communities. They explained how important it is to young people to choose where they live and not be forced to live in communities where they have no connection with people they don’t know.
Salisbury was one area where gaps were identified of suitable accommodation for people with a learning disability.
The new accommodation and support service is designed to ensure that the three people National Care Group now support can create a home for themselves and become part of the local community while still getting the expert support they need. The service has also created several new jobs in the area.
This service is just one of a programme of developments that will be completed in Wiltshire over the coming months.
Belinda Robinson, Director of Development at National Care Group, said: “The successful partnership we have established with the team at Wiltshire Council has enabled us to work collaboratively and develop a service that will meet an identified local need.
“Through careful planning, we have worked with partners at Golden Lane Housing to create a service that perfectly matches the requirements of the three new people we will be supporting. We look forward to seeing the tenants enjoying their new home and supporting them to become active citizens in their local community.”
Cllr Jane Davies, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We asked our families and young people to tell us about their experiences and what we can do to help. We then acted on the responses we received and invested in this new accommodation and support, and now we have this wonderful example of a supported home.
“As a local authority, we’re committed to ensuring people have the opportunities to thrive and enjoy being in their communities. This is a great example of words turning into actions, and I look forward to more examples of this collaboration in the future.”
