Starts at Home Day, organised by the National Housing Federation, celebrates the positive impact supported housing has on thousands of lives.
A new housing development with flats for people with disabilities has given a young person the opportunity to live independently for the first time.
Aimee Coombes was living at home before applying for a flat at Hornbeam Close, in Bradley Stoke.
The scheme offers nine family homes but has the unique addition of 12 flats that form part of the supported living service with care provider Milestones Trust.
Aimee has moved into one of the one-bedroom flats, with the scheme also having a communal space and a garden.
Aimee Coombes, 22, said: “I was really excited when I found out I had a place here. Within a month of applying I got it, but me and my mum kept thinking there would be some kind of catch and it was too good to be true.
“But it really happened and I was really happy. LiveWest has been good and supportive to help me get here.”
We offer a range of accommodation for adults and families, either scheme-based or individual homes where our customers can prepare for the next step towards independent living.
All of the homes at Hornbeam Close are energy efficient with enhanced building fabrics, air source heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels. The Energy Certificate Performance (EPC) of the homes range from 86 to 98, with an average score of 91.
Having moved into the flat a few months ago, Aimee is settling in well and is enjoying doing her hobby in a space that is her own.
Aimee added: “I really like it, it’s really nice. I was living at home before getting a place here. It’s nice because I like being independent and I have support to do things, and I like that I have friends here so I’m not lonely.
“Before I came here, I didn’t really have any friends at all and now I have lots of friends which makes me really happy and there is lots of fun things to do.
“I love that there is lots of space in my flat so I can dance but I don’t have a sofa yet but I can use it as a dance studio until then. It looks really nice, I like the kitchen and I like the bedroom. I like everything about it.
“I’m so much happier now than I used to be. I don’t feel as unsupported as I was, here there is always someone to talk to and help me with things whilst also being independent.”
We are celebrating the value of Hornbeam Close and other supported housing because of the difference having a safe and secure place to call home can make to young people like Aimee.
We also have a range of accommodation including a network of foyers and self-contained flats in the community across the South West, which support young people between the ages of 16 and 25 experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Our Extra Care schemes provide homes across schemes from Plymouth to Bath. These are for older people who need some level of care, which is delivered by an on-site care and support provider.
Find out more about our supported housing here.