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EXETER is the first place in the country to make home ownership
with support a reality for people with a learning disability and
or visual impairment through a new shared ownership scheme in a
purpose built development with on site support.
Willow Way (part of the old Summerway School development) is a
partnership project providing shared ownership apartments (part
rent - part buy) with personalised support funded by Devon County
Council and South Somerset County Council. Working closely with
care providers SeeAbility, and Exeter City Council, Signpost Care
Partnerships has developed an innovative scheme, which has many
features to meet individuals needs.
Robert Redding is the first person to move into Willow Way and
he says:
"It's great having my independence. I go shopping, go to the
local deaf club, cook for myself and lead a full life without having
to rely too much on my family. My apartment is nicely fitted out
with everything I need."
Robert's sister Elaine Ponsford added:
"Since Robert has moved into his new apartment he has really
blossomed and found his independence. Luckily all our family live
near by so we can pop in to make sure that he is alright but knowing
that personalised support is on hand if he needs it is a great relief
to us. We found out about the apartments through Devon County Council
and then attended an open day where all the agencies involved were
on hand to answer any questions. Robert was the first to sign up
and we were able to ask for certain items to be included in his
home that were necessary for his health conditions. For us it's
so good knowing that he is in safe hands and able to enjoy his life."
The 8 self-contained apartments were made possible with funding
from The Housing Corporation and Exeter City Council. The communal
lounge provides an opportunity for the residents to get together;
there is also an office and sleepover room for the care provider,
SeeAbility.
The apartments are located on the ground floor, and are built to
wheelchair specification. The scheme has been nominated for the
Housebuilder Innovation Awards because of the many features within
it including automated door entry systems, adjustable cookers and
sinks, and a selection of tactile materials from smooth tiling,
carpet and 'bumpy' surfaces to aid partially sighted residents with
their orientation and direction.
Successful applicants are able to buy a 50% share in the property
with a weekly rent for the remaining 50% share retained by Signpost
plus a service charge. There are different payment options available
to people in receipt of benefit. See Note to Editors
Devon County Council's Executive Member for Adult and Community
Learning, Cllr John Rawlinson, said:
"Devon County Council is extremely excited about this scheme
because it gives people real opportunities to lead the lives they
want. These purpose-built flats enable independence as much as possible,
while ensuring continued care for residents."
Ellie Kay, Development Manager for Signpost Care Partnerships,
said:
"It is great to offer people with a learning disability or
visual impairment the same opportunities to purchase a share in
a property. Shared ownership does provide an alternative way to
take the first step on the property ladder and people can staircase,
which means they can buy further shares in their properties as and
when they can afford it."
Colin Fletcher, South West Area Manager for SeeAbility said:
"This development provides a real opportunity for people with
a learning disability and visual impairment to part own a property
and to receive a support service from SeeAbility, which will be
tailored to meet individual daily support needs and also enable
people to actively make choices about how they spend their leisure
time."
Although all flats are now allocated a waiting list is being held
for applicants who may be interested should one of the flats become
available. People interested in the scheme should contact Annette
Cattle at Signpost on 01258 484763.
NOTE TO EDITORS
The 50% share to buy can be bought outright if private funds are
available. Or, provided the applicant is eligible to receive Income
Support and is in receipt of the Disability or Severe Disability
Premium, an interest only mortgage may be arranged and Income Support
will pay the interest. Alternatively, the 50% share can be paid
for by a combination of the applicants own funds and Income Support.
Robert Redding has agreed that the press can look around his apartment
- if you are interested in taking photographs and or meeting Robert
and his sister Elaine please contact Tina Partridge at Signpost
on 01258 484884 or
Mike Bomford at Devon County Council on 01392 382173.
Signpost Care Partnerships is a member of Signpost Housing Group
and provides good quality affordable housing in the community for
people with support needs.
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