Site search

Adults with learning disabilities are benefiting from new, tailor-made accommodation thanks to a partnership between Derbyshire County Council and Amber Valley Housing. The council chose the housing association to provide new housing as part of a national programme aimed at raising the standard of homes for adults with learning disabilities.

Over the last two years Amber Valley Housing has worked with 15 residents, their families and carers, and specialist support provider Real Life Options, to seek out accommodation to meet their particular needs. This involved refurbishing homes already owned by the association and buying new properties that could be easily adapted. The project aims to help those with mild to severe learning disabilities move away from residential-style care homes, which can feel institutionalised, and into more homely accommodation.

Some residents now live independently, with visits from support workers, while others live in homes designed for two or three residents with 24 hour care and support. Care is provided by specialist support provider Real Life Options, in partnership with Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust; and the homes are spread across Amber Valley, Long Eaton and Chesterfield.

Martyn Hudson from Amber Valley Housing said:

"This project recognises the wide ranging needs of these residents and provides accommodation that helps them to live as independently as possible."

"Our approach has been to work with the residents and their families and carers to try and find homes that they will be happy in. We will also continue to work with them as we fit out the new homes to make sure equipment meets their spatial needs and colours are stimulating without being overpowering."

The project is Amber Valley Housing's second for adults with learning disabilities. The organisation has previously completed the conversion of two bungalows into a new supported scheme in Swanwick.

Gary Hooper, Head of Business Development for Real Life Options said:

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Amber Valley Housing and Derbyshire County Council. This project offers people with learning disabilities an excellent opportunity to establish fulfilling, independent lives in the community. Real Life Options is supporting people to take control of their own lives. Careful planning of the accommodation by Amber Valley Housing, in consultation with the new tenants, is making a big difference to the long-term success of the project."

Real Life Options has been providing support services for people with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire since 2005, as well as in other parts of the country; this is its first service in Derbyshire.