Ritchie and McGimpsey open new £2Million housing scheme

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey have opened new housing in Belfast for people with profound disabilities.

The scheme of 10 self-contained apartments at Ardkeen, Marlborough Park North, is a partnership between Habinteg Housing Association and the Cedar Foundation.

The development features innovative assistive smart technology that offers tenants control over functional tasks that would normally be outside of their physical capabilities.

Both Ministers toured the building and met the residents.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “This is a ground breaking, state of the art development. Not only do we have first class accommodation, built to the very highest standards of modern construction, but associated with that, we have incorporated innovative assistive technology that will improve the independence and quality of life for all who live here.

“I want to do all I can to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society have the same opportunities as the rest of the community. This latest addition to the supported housing sector is a real, practical and tangible example of this aspiration in action. This is not just about bricks and mortar, but about the positive, transforming effect that housing can bring to peoples lives.”

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “I firmly believe that everyone in our society deserves the right to live as independently as possible, and Ardkeen provides an environment which supports its residents in achieving this aim.

“This modern, well-constructed facility, which embraces and utilises assistive technologies, can improve residents’ quality of life and independence.

“It is another good example of the community, voluntary and statutory sectors all working together.

“I commend everyone who was involved, in whatever capacity, during the project. They can be justifiably proud of what they have achieved at Ardkeen, and I’m confident that its residents, some of whom I had the privilege of meeting during my visit, will also join with me in paying tribute to them.”

Habinteg Housing Association provided the new accommodation, with grant aid from the Department for Social Development, with Cedar Foundation providing day-to-day management.

Notes to Editors:

1. Habinteg Housing Association, based in Holywood, Northern Ireland is one of 34 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development. It manages some 1,500 homes throughout Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has assisted Habinteg with £450,000 funding specifically for assistive technology, therefore enabling disabled people to remain in their homes.
2. Cedar Foundation is a regional organisation, based in Belfast, with over 20 service locations. Its mission is to provide quality support, care, accommodation and training services to enable disabled adults and children to participate in all aspects of community life. It receives core funding from the Department of Health, Social Services, and Public Safety.
3. Ardkeen comprises 10 self contained apartments for profoundly disabled people. The building was provided by Habinteg Housing Association, using £1.8million sourced from the Department for Social Development, through Housing Association Grant. Habinteg funded some £0.1million of the cost. The Cedar Foundation provides day-to-day management.
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