Supported living scheme moves to new home

A supported housing scheme in Birmingham that caters for men who need support to live independently has ‘moved house’ to give its clients a fresh start for 2010.

The 41 men, all aged 45 or older, have moved from the Summer Hill House scheme in Ladywood to new facilities in Trinity Close, Handsworth, giving them their own self-contained flats with a private kitchen, sitting room and bathroom, rather than the shared facilities that existed at the previous site. The new premises also provide a garden, meaning residents can take up some ‘green fingered’ activities.

Operated by Midland Heart, the supported living scheme works with the clients to give them the additional support they need to maintain their independence.

Tony Merry, Midland Heart’s operations manager said: “This move is about providing our customers with modern facilities that meet their needs and enable them to keep their independence.

"Our staff will continue to provide the same level of support, but the improvements to accommodation and extra facilities will help take individuals one step further to living independently.”

One of the scheme’s existing customers, Philip Wood, added: “After hearing about our new facilities at Trinity Close, the move is something I have really been looking forward to. Having somewhere close by to get some fresh air is really important to me, especially if it means doing a bit of gardening. Most of all, I am glad the invaluable staff from Summer Hill House will be with us every step of the way.”