Member Article

Innovative supported housing in Harlech making a real difference to individual lives

A new supported housing scheme in Harlech is making a real difference to individuals with learning disabilities who are finding their independence for the very first time.

Pant yr Eithin, Harlech, a new supported housing scheme developed by Grŵp Cynefin on a former care home site, is helping tenants live independently with arm’s length support at hand.

The development of 6 one bedroom bungalows, built to the requirements of ‘Lifetime Homes’ are specially adapted for adults with a learning disability.

This is an exciting and innovative development that gives individuals the opportunity to live in their own homes and be as independent as possible.

There is also a two bedroom bungalow for two tenants with more complex needs to share, with staff present 24 hours. The same staff are also responsible for offering support to the residents of the 6 single bungalows.

The aim of the development is to:

• provide appropriate care and support to every individual, thereby fostering a culture which inhibits over-dependency

• encourage opportunities to become a part of the local community

To facilitate the support arrangements, appropriate assistive technology provisions have been installed in the seven new dwellings, which enable the individuals to live as independently as possible.

“This is an innovative concept, and we’re really pleased to see tenants are settling in well into their specially designed homes. We’re delighted to be at the fore of developing this scheme in Harlech,” explains Walis George, Chief Executive of Grŵp Cynefin.

Working in collaboration with Grŵp Cynefin on the 13 property site are Gwynedd Council, the Gwynedd Rural Housing Enabler and Harlech Community Council. In addition to the seven purpose-built homes for adults with a learning disability, the new development also provides six affordable homes for local families.

Kevin Griffiths from Gwynedd Council’s Learning Disability Service explains that one of the new tenants is a 22 year-old who previously received intense support, and who has now settled with a much reduced support plan at Harlech.

Kevin said: “The new tenancy has empowered the tenant to increase independent living skills and to be able to make his own informed decisions, with ‘arms length’ support available to advise when relevant and when required.

“The tenant has an active support plan to maintain tenancy and community living presence. This positive model in Harlech is achieving aims and objectives that the tenant has aspired towards for many years. This has allowed the tenant to be pro-active and has ensured that he has a positive sense of self achievement.”

Councillor Caerwyn Roberts who represents Harlech residents on Gwynedd Council said: “This is a fantastic investment for Harlech and addresses the housing needs of people in Meirionnydd with a learning disability that need different kinds of support. In addition it’s a great opportunity for local people to access high standard affordable homes in this rural area as well.”

Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Care, Councillor Gareth Roberts, added: “I am delighted to see that tenants are settling into this £1.5 million project developed in partnership with Grŵp Cynefin. The seven purpose built homes for adults with a learning disability are part of a new model of accommodation that will meet tenants’ needs and aspirations, and promote their independent living.”

Walis George of Grŵp Cynefin added: “The redevelopment of this site at Pant yr Eithin demonstrates our commitment to supporting rural communities across North Wales. As well as meeting supported housing needs and local affordable housing, the energy saving aspect of the properties will help our tenants combat fuel poverty, which is a particular issue in rural areas.

The development has been achieved via a mix of funding avenues including a Welsh Government grant, land provided by Gwynedd Council, and private finance raised by Grŵp Cynefin.

The homes will add to Grŵp Cynefin’s portfolio of more than 3,700 properties located across North Wales and Powys.

For more information on Grŵp Cynefin’s work within rural communities across North Wales, visit grwpcynefin.org, call 0300 111 2122, or follow @Grwp_Cynefin on Twitter.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .