GUHG leads the way in supported living

Grand Union Housing Group (GUHG) is leading the way in independent supported living with the opening of a brand new development in Milton Keynes. Perrydown was officially opened on Wednesday 3 March and consists of 10 one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat. GUHG received a grant of over £800,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency to complete the development, which is owned by Aragon Housing Association and managed by MacIntyre Housing Association. The care will be provided by Fremantle Trust.

The scheme is the successful result of effective partnership working and close consultation with residents and their families. At every stage of the project residents’ needs were taken into consideration, with a high level of input from the relevant professionals.

The development, built in partnership with Hill Partnerships Ltd and Kyle Smart Associates, and project managed by Robinson Low Francis (RLF), has been built to the highest specifications, achieving level four of the Code for Sustainable Homes, two years before this becomes mandatory – the first to be achieved at this standard by Grand union Housing Group. Among other features, it has a sustainable drainage system, energy efficient lighting, low water consumption toilets, recycling facilities and a Biomass boiler.

Each flat has been developed in close consultation with tenants, ensuring floor coverings, kitchen units and even front door colours were chosen by each tenant. Each flat has a state-of-the-art call system so tenants are able to receive support when they need it. Individual needs have been taken into consideration with adaptations provided where necessary. Staff have a base on site to provide support and assistance when tenants require it, in order to promote as much independence as possible.

Stylish, quality furniture and soft furnishings have been provided in communal areas through a donation from MacIntyre Housing Association, whose Board approved the use of its charitable fund. Some funding also went towards the purchase of furniture for use in residents’ flats. All items were chosen by tenants.

Mark Green, Assistant Supported Manager for MacIntyre Housing Association explains further:

“The initiative behind the scheme is to provide a greater level of independence and quality of life for residents and to give people much more choice. Now every resident has their own living space and brightly coloured front door and they are very excited! We have installed assistive technology to help with specific living needs and have worked with occupational therapists and social services to ensure we have installed the proper levels of support, such as personalised hand rails.”

This fabulous achievement was celebrated with all key partners on 3 March and among the guests were three of the new residents John, Colin and Jonathan, who each cut ribbons to formally open their new flats. Colin spoke at the close of the day to thank everyone who was involved in making Perrydown happen. This event preceded the moving in of all 12 residents into their new flats today, 11 March 2010.

Councillor Irene Henderson, the Lady Mayoress of Milton Keynes, spoke at the event:

“I remember our first meeting about the development and the anxieties of parents about how it would look and feel. It has been an exciting and scary road but it is wonderful to see it completed. It is an example of a real belief that was important enough to make things happen.”

Aileen Evans, Managing Director of Aragon Housing Association and MacIntyre Housing Association said:

“I have huge pleasure in seeing this development completed. We are very proud that it reaches level 4 of the Code of Sustainable Homes and we are working hard to ensure all our schemes reach this. Our tenants were closely consulted throughout the process and were able to make choices about their homes that reflected their preferences. I wish the tenants a very happy time in their new home.”

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