New housing has opened in Horley equipped with technology to help people who need extra support live independently in the community.
Members of Surrey charity the Sunnybank Trust represented residents and joined councillors, care workers and project leaders to celebrate the opening of the new £8.2million supported independent living development – the first of three being opened by Surrey County Council over the coming months to help people lead active and fulfilling lives in their communities.
Local not-for-profit care provider Active Prospects will work closely with residents to support them to gain choice and control in their daily lives. Smart features such as motion sensors and Alexa voice controls will be available at the property to support residents according to their needs.
The development close to the centre of Horley will support adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. It can accommodate 16 residents across six self-contained one-bedroom flats and two townhouses, with each townhouse featuring five ensuite bedrooms alongside shared lounges and kitchens.
For some of the residents, it will be the first home they can call their own.
They will be supported by care workers from CQC-registered Active Prospects who will help them develop life skills and build confidence. Each person’s needs will be assessed to identify which forms of assistive technology – if any – could further enhance their independence at home. Options range from apps and Alexa voice assistants to motion and door sensors.
Similar supported independent living developments are taking shape in Byfleet and Cobham, with Byfleet set to open later in the autumn and Cobham early next year. Across all three sites, 44 people will be supported to live more independently.
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 of the strategy include providing affordable extra care housing for older people and improving short breaks services to give carers a break from their caring roles.
Supported independent living developments reduce reliance on long-term residential care and enhance quality of life. Access to tenancies is through Surrey’s adult social care service, which works closely with people who draw on support – and their families – to identify those who could benefit.
The development has been carefully designed to meet the needs of residents. Both of the three-storey shared houses are suitable for wheelchair-users while the two-storey flats are either wheelchair-ready or can be easily adapted.
Occupants of the carbon-friendly development will also have access to gardens that they can enjoy.
Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “These new homes in Horley are a fantastic example of how we’re delivering for Surrey – helping people lead fulfilling lives with the right support, in the right place.
“We’re proud to be investing in homes which offer not just safety and support, but also real independence and choice, in the heart of the community. I’m especially pleased to see new technology playing a role in supporting residents to develop skills, build confidence and live life on their own terms.
“We’re looking forward to opening two further developments in the near future and we can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make. Thanks to all partners involved in bringing our vision to life.”
Natalie Bramhall, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure added: “It is a real pleasure to mark the opening of the first of three new Supported Independent Living properties. This multi-million-pound investment, delivered through our capital programme, is a key part of our commitment to the Right Homes, Right Support strategy, helping residents lead rich, fulfilling lives and maintain their independence for longer.”
Maria Mills, Chief Executive of Active Prospects, said: “We are delighted to be working with Surrey County Council on this new development in Horley. For many people moving in, this will be the first time they’ve had a space they can call their own, and a real opportunity to shape life in a home that is truly theirs. At Active Prospects, our approach is rooted in listening, understanding what matters to each person and working with them to build support that is right for them. The smart technologies used in the new homes, such as voice controls, sensors and apps, are tools to help people build greater independence in their daily lives, while knowing we are here when needed.
“Through partnership working, we’re successfully making progress towards a Surrey where people can lead aspiring lives with choice, support and inclusion.”
Ciarán O’Leary, Operations Director for Neilcott Construction, Surrey County Council’s design and build partner for the SIL projects said:
“We congratulate Surrey County Council on the delivery of this specialist housing and wish the new residents health and happiness in their new homes. As an employee-owned business with a huge number of our team living in Surrey we are especially proud to play our part in the delivery of these Supported Independent Living projects which will benefit the people of the County for many years to come.”
ENDS
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