WCHG launches its first Learning Disability Scheme
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) is delighted to launch its Scout Drive specialist supported housing scheme, one of four being built across Manchester and part-funded by Homes England and Manchester City Council.
WCHG has worked alongside Great Places and Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Groups in partnership with Manchester City Council, to provide tailored housing for people with learning disabilities and bring much needed specialist care provision back into the community.
The development comprising of 20 self-contained one-bed apartments offers multifunctional communal/sensory rooms, landscaped gardens, assistive technology provisions for its residents, onsite CCTV along with three communal rooms and overnight stay provision. Residents also benefit from a bespoke 24-hour care provision provided by Manchester City Council, which will offer the building blocks for its residents to gain and promote independent living.
Each apartment benefits from one bedroom, a living room, wet room facilities for bathing and specially adapted kitchens to support residents’ existing and ongoing needs.
Group Chief Executive Nick Horne said, “We are delighted to welcome residents into our first specialist supported housing scheme. This is an important step in delivering positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities so they can live independent lives in the community. Scout Drive is a great addition to Wythenshawe and is a shining example of partnership working with four of these specialist schemes being built across Manchester.
There is a real shortage of housing for those with specialist supported living needs and these developments will significantly boost this provision while providing the freedom to live independently whilst receiving the care and support they need to be an integral part of their own community”.
Chair of the WCHG Board the Bishop of Manchester, The Right Revd, Dr David Walker, said, “How we provide for those with specific and particular needs is a strong indication of the moral compass of the society in which we live. I am delighted that WCHG will be able to play its part in ensuring both good quality housing and appropriate services for those who will come to live here, and who we will welcome as our friends and neighbours”.
Cllr Bev Craig, Manchester City Council’s executive member for adult health and well-being, said: “This sort of housing can be truly life-changing for people with learning difficulties whose care is never one-size-fits-all. Being able to tailor care and housing to the individual will set this development apart, along with on-site facilities that will change the way we think about supported care.
“This type of housing will give our residents the independence to live their lives, along with the help of assistive technology, but with the peace of mind that they have the 24-hour care provision when they need it.
Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “We need different types of housing to meet the differing needs of those who live in our city. That is why as a city we are developing a supported housing strategy, so that we can be confident we are meeting the demand for future generations."
"This is the first in a number of investments with our housing partners in this type of more specialist accommodation. The homes will be managed by social housing provider Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, which means that importantly the homes will be accessible to those who need them.”
