New video explains new innovative development for people with learning disabilities

A video has been launched today to explain a new and innovative development that will help support independent living for people with learning disabilities.

Following planning permission, a ‘Greenacres Development Project’ will extend the Greenacres Farm, Baschurch offer by creating eight new single storey supported living units on the site. The development also includes a communal shared area, internal courtyard, access to existing outdoor spaces including a sensory garden, and a fitness area with outdoor gym equipment.

The state-of-the-art accommodation will be the first of its kind for Shropshire and will be offered to people with a learning disability and/or autism.

Artist’s impression of the supported living accommodation at Greenacres

Supported living enables adults with physical or learning disabilities or mental health needs to live in their own flat or home with the appropriate level of support.

There are currently over 100 supported living properties located across the county, both rural and urban, with over 190 individuals living across these schemes as tenants.

Greenacres Development Project will provide a great opportunity for individuals to live more independently, and will reduce the number of placements in residential care outside of Shropshire, allowing people to be much nearer their family and friends.

Greenacres Development Project – artist’s impression

Plans also include the renovation of an existing empty farmhouse on the Greenacres site into a more functional useable space. This will include using the property as a place for education and training, and lifestyle activities such as cooking, to support; and also having the opportunity to test and try out some advanced assistive technologies to support them to meet their needs in creative ways. The farmhouse will also provide accommodation for short breaks to those still living with families or informal carers.

Extending the offer at Greenacres will provide a more people-centred, efficient service to individuals with a learning disability, some of which we do not currently provide a service to within the county. It will make a positive impact on the way people live their lives in a way that benefits everyone. The unique approach will enable the tenants to live in good quality homes and lead them on a path of independent living, community integration and volunteer opportunities or employment.

Greenacres Farm

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:-

“We know that giving more people with learning disabilities the opportunity to move into ‘supported living’ will help significantly improves their quality of life.

“While we have many supported living arrangements across Shropshire, this specialist provision is not yet available in Shropshire and has resulted in, and continues to result in, individuals, particularly our young people, leaving Shropshire to live in residential settings or single occupancy homes outside of the county many miles away from family and friends.

“Also we recognise the gap in opportunities for younger adults with a learning disability, particularly those turning 18 and transitioning from children’s services to adult social care services, individuals that have been in residential colleges and are coming to the end of their placements or other residential setting. As a council we want to prevent this from happening and invest in our existing assets, to develop them further and expand on the offer for younger adults.

“We have been very keen to further develop Greenacres, whose service greatly helps and supports adults with learning disabilities to recognise and reach their full potential.

“Our Greenacres Development Project is a fantastic opportunity for us to build an innovative, sustainable living accommodation that is future-proofed and can be sustained and adapted easily for young people in Shropshire.”

You can find out more about the Greenacres Development Project here: https://shropshire.gov.uk/disability-information/adults-with-learning-disabilities/greenacres-farm/greenacres-farm-supported-living-accommodation/ and Greenacres Farm here: Greenacres Farm | Shropshire Council