A £3.35m development providing sustainable, flexible housing to support independent living for people with learning disabilities is nearing the final stages of approval in County Durham.
The specialist supported housing development at Harelaw, Annfield Plain, which will be the first of its kind in the county, has been made possible through effective partnership working between Durham County Council, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), North of England Commissioning Support, NHS England and housing provider Choice Support.
The council and the NHS bodies work together alongside other providers as the County Durham Care Partnership, through which they seek to deliver high quality, joined up health and social care services.
The new eco-friendly specialist development, which will feature air source heat pumps and green roofs in addition to other sustainable features, to help reduce the carbon footprint of the build, is being funded by an NHS England capital grant allocation in line with the delivery of The NHS Plan.
The plan set targets for reducing over reliance on in-patient provision and improving the development of homes for people within their own communities – this includes preventing avoidable hospital admission by providing appropriate accommodation and support.
Cllr Paul Sexton, Durham County Council Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “For some people the opportunity to access support at critical times can prevent admission to hospital and enable them to develop their life skills before moving on to their longer-term home.
“This new development will provide an opportunity for people to be supported in an appropriate home environment, where they can receive support to maximise their potential and remain as independent as possible through the use of assistive technology, skilled support staff and focused rehabilitation.
“Lastly we would like to thank the people of Harelaw whom as with any development we have engaged with to understand their views, address any concerns and highlight the positive impact the scheme will have on those that call it home.”
The Harelaw development will consist of four properties as longer-term homes, and two step up/step down properties, allowing people to progress at their own pace and in response to their own needs. It is envisaged there will be an option for the step-down/step-up homes within the development to become permanent if successful.
The development will be for residents of County Durham, aged 18 years and over, who require 24-hour support and have a diagnosis of learning disability, autism or both.
The national charity Choice Support, which has extensive experience and knowledge in assistive technology, has been appointed as the new housing provider and it is expected that the new care support provider for the development will be commissioned by March/April 2022.
Sarah Burns, Joint Head of Integrated Strategic Commissioning, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Durham County Council, said: “We recognise the need in County Durham to continue to develop services for individuals with a learning disability, autism or both where individuals are part of the community.
“Durham Council and NHS County Durham CCG have determined through their commissioning planning that there is currently a need to increase provision within County Durham for people with learning disabilities, and or autism, and other associated mental health conditions.
“In order to respond to this at least three new accommodation developments will be required within the next three to five years.”
