GUHG unveils supported living scheme in Aylesbury

Local social housing provider, Grand Union Housing Group (GUHG), recently celebrated the opening of a new supported housing scheme in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, which has been specifically built for people with epilepsy. The scheme, which was built in partnership with the National Society for Epilepsy (NSE), consists of 11 flats, with five two-bedroom flats and one one-bedroom flat. The layout of the block has been adapted to meet the requirements of the residents, who may also have learning and physical difficulties.

GUHG worked with builder, Oakcroft Developments Ltd, to create a supported living environment which is sympathetic to client needs and has a very good quality finish. There is lift access to all floors, under floor heating with individual room controlled thermostats, a large landscaped garden, storage space for bikes and scooters, and plenty of parking for staff and visitors. White goods and appliances have been fitted in every kitchen and, in keeping with the needs of the client, conductor hobs have been fitted for safety.

The building is owned by GUHG subsidiary, Aragon Housing Association and the management of the tenancies will be run by Aragon’s sister organisation, MacIntyre Housing Association. The day-to-day care for the tenants will be provided by the NSE.   MacIntyre and the NSE pride themselves in enabling tenants to live as independently as possible, with the knowledge that care and support is readily available if required.

These new affordable homes are a good example of how GUHG’s approach to partnership working really can make a difference to peoples’ lives. GUHG identified that this premises could be a supported living scheme through its existing relationship with the NSE. Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) also recognised the need for this type of scheme and was supportive of GUHG’s bid to the Housing and Communities Agency (HCA), which resulted in £330,000 of government funding. In addition, AVDC contributed some of its own capital – £165,000 – to make the scheme possible.

Dave Lakin, GUHG’s Head of New Business and Development, explains the thinking behind the development process that led to completion of this scheme:

“Working in a local area enables us to develop local contacts and build our market awareness to opportunities that present themselves. This was a development planned for private sales; it represented an ideal sized development in a great location. The housing market conditions meant there was an opportunity to negotiate and buy the whole block, changing the design and specification to meet affordable housing needs but with a specific client group in mind.

“We believe this scheme demonstrates how we like to work in partnership, focusing on the real outcome, which is about making a positive impact and difference to peoples’ lives.”

David Edwards, South East Regional Director, Homes and Communities Agency said:

 “I am delighted that funding by the Homes and Communities Agency has contributed to helping meet specialist housing needs in the area.  We will continue to work with registered social landlords, local authorities and house builders, to build new communities and to address local demand for housing.”

Ends

Note to editors

The National Society for Epilepsy is the leading national epilepsy medical charity working for everyone affected by epilepsy, through cutting edge research, awareness campaigns and expert care.

For more information please contact:

The National Society for Epilepsy
Chesham Lane
Chalfont St Peter
Bucks SL9 0RJ
General enquiries: 01494 601 300

Fax: 01494 871927

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England.  We bring together English Partnerships, investment functions of the Housing Corporation, and the Academy for Sustainable Communities, with major delivery programmes of Communities and Local Government.

Our role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places. We provide funding for affordable housing, bring land back into productive use and improve quality of life by raising standards for the physical and social environment.  For more information on our work, please visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk

For more information please contact:

Tel: 0300 1234 500
Email: mail@homesandcommunities.co.uk