New partnership to support independent living in Horley

Surrey County Council is to work with local not-for-profit care provider Active Prospects to help residents in Horley’s new supported independent living accommodation lead fulfilling lives in their own homes.

The purpose-built housing – due to be completed later this year – is designed to help adults with additional needs live more independently, with support on hand when needed. Active Prospects will work closely with residents to help them build confidence, develop life skills and live well in their communities.

The development in Horley town centre will include homes for 16 people with learning disabilities and autistic people. The site will include six self-contained one-bedroom flats, plus two townhouses. Each of the houses will feature five ensuite bedrooms alongside shared lounges and kitchens.

CQC-registered Active Prospects was chosen as the provider for care and support at the accommodation following a selection process earlier this year.

Construction at the site is nearing completion, with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in the autumn.

Horley will be the first to open of three new supported independent living developments planned for Surrey. Further developments are taking shape in Byfleet and Cobham.

Supported independent gives people more choice and control in their everyday lives, helping them live independently in the community and reducing reliance on residential care homes.

The new homes are part of the county council’s wider Right Homes, Right Support strategy to create specialist accommodation in local communities which can help people achieve greater independence. Other strands include providing affordable extra care housing for older people and improving short breaks facilities to give carers a break from their caring roles.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Active Prospects as our partner to provide care and support at supported independent living in Horley. They bring lots of experience and their ‘full and aspiring lives’ vision fits with what we want to achieve for our residents.

“These homes are designed to give people more choice and control and the support they need to thrive in their local community, and this partnership will help make that a reality. The development in Horley is a milestone in our wider plan to provide more supported independent living in Surrey, so more people can live in homes which suit their needs and aspirations.”

Maria Mills, CEO of Active Prospects, said: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to support 16 people in brand new homes in the heart of Horley. Since Active Prospects was founded 36 years ago, we’ve had strong connections with Horley and the surrounding area and we look forward to helping local people to lead full and aspiring lives, as well as creating local jobs. We’ve built a positive working relationship with Surrey County Council over many years, and we look forward to strengthening that further.”