Henderson Court in Berwick. The new supported housing scheme has opened, giving young adults with learning disabilities the chance to live independently  in the local community

New extra care housing opens in Berwick

A new supported housing scheme has opened in Berwick, giving young adults with learning disabilities the chance to live independently with support in their local community. 
 
The scheme forms part of Northumberland County Council’s Extra Care and Supported Housing Strategy. 
 
Cllr Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for adults' wellbeing said: “I was delighted to attend the opening of Henderson Court and meet some of the new of the new residents and their families, as well as the people living nearby who came along to share in this rewarding and wonderful project. 
 
"It meant so much to hear first-hand from residents and their families what this project means to them.  
 
“As a Council we are committed to ensuring people are supported in making decisions and choices about their care and where they receive it, enabling them to maintain their independence, live within their communities and participate in community life.  
 
“We are working with a range of partners to increase accommodation options for residents across Northumberland and Henderson Court is a lovely example of what we want to achieve.”  
 
Henderson Court consists of 10 individual flats with 24-hour support to help the residents build their life skills, manage their tenancy and be part of the local community. 
 
Kim, the sister of one of the new tenants said: “It’s fantastic! It gives him the freedom he really wants, but in a safe environment. And there are so many amenities nearby for him that it’s really going to be good start.” 
 
The accommodation was opened by the Right Reverend Mark Wroe, Bishop of Berwick who said: “It’s a real joy to be here to witness the opening of Henderson Court. To see this place which is going to provide a home for 10 people so they can come and have their own home, live independently, but also have the right quality of care that they need. It’s a real joy to see this new home for the people. 
 
Staff from Northumberland County Council Adult Services worked with independent providers Safe as Houses, Community Integrated Care Ltd and YMCA North Tyneside to develop the scheme. 
 
Elaine Blackadder, Safe as Houses Project Delivery Manager said: “This was a fantastic project to work on and see the apartments transformed into ten 1 Bedroom units with support facilities. It was a pleasure to attend the opening of Henderson Court and see how much it meant to the future tenants especially when one excited occupant invited me into his apartment and showed me round.” 
 
Dean Titterton, CEO of YMCA North Tyneside said: “'Henderson Court goes to prove that working together in partnership with like-minded organisations can make a real difference in someone's life. Our thanks go out to Safe as Houses, Triple Point, Northumberland County Council and the surrounding community for helping make this accommodation possible.  
 
Seeing and experiencing the joy on the resident's faces makes every ounce of hard work worthwhile. These homes are homes that they can be proud of and look forward to living in. 
 
“We are exceptionally proud of the Henderson Court project and are keen to increase the number of high-quality homes that we can offer, and this includes building and refurbishing more homes for life.” 
 
Marc Brodie, Managing Director of Community Integrated Care, said: “It’s fantastic to see the opening of our new Henderson Court service. Many of the people who will be moving in are moving back to the area after previously having to move over an hour away, so it’s brilliant to see people returning to their communities and being closer to their friends and families. We cannot wait for everyone to move in and to see the people we support thrive in their new homes.” 
 
The Council’s Extra Care and Supported Housing strategy aims to enable people to maintain their independence, continuing to live within and participate in community life. 
 
Accommodation with Support is any housing that offers an integrated package which could consist of technology, disability-friendly design, supervision, support and/or care to enable people to continue to live as independently as possible in the community. 
View all news