New state-of-the-art home for adults with learning disabilities opens in Shrewsbury

A new bungalow with state-of-the-art equipment has been built in Shrewsbury to provide a home for people with learning disabilities.

The ‘Supported Living’ bungalow will be home to three people who will able to live independently rather than with their parents or in a residential care placement.

Supported Living accommodation has been hailed nationally as the best way to help people with learning disabilities live as independently as possible within their own communities.

Shropshire Council has worked with national charity the Development Trust, which provided the capital funding for the bungalow, and Bromford Developments which has developed eight shared ownership houses as part of the project, in Mount Pleasant in Shrewsbury.

Supported Living accommodation enables people with learning disabilities to live independently, with a carer always on hand to provide support, which provides much more flexibility than being in a residential care home.

Councillor Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for adult services, said:

“Bungalows like this are a great way to encourage people with learning disabilities to lead an independent life, and we already have a number of similar sites across the county which have been very successful.

“This development will provide a comfortable and supportive home for three people who I’m sure will be delighted to be living their own life in in their own community.”

Mick Kent, Bromford Chief Executive, added:

“We are delighted to support Shropshire Council in being able to make a huge difference to the lives of three people with this fantastic project. This has been a unique project for us. Not only has Bromford been the developer but it’s the first time our in-house construction team has built for an outside partner like the council.

“The eight shared ownership homes will also be a great opportunity for first-time buyers, and we have even developed a wildlife pond at Mount Pleasant Primary School, so local school children can get out of the classroom and hands-on with nature.”

Further notes

The picture shows Julie Mills (left), service manager, and Anne Cooper, support co-ordinator, of Creative Support, who provide care for the people living in the bungalow, inspect the new equipment.