Attwood opens housing for Holywell Hospital patients

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, today opened a new housing scheme for former patients of Holywell Hospital.

The Pines, a £1.2million development by Helm Housing, was designed in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, for people living with mental health disorders. The new twelve unit development in Antrim, provides 24 hour domestic care allowing residents to live as independently as possible.

Minister Alex Attwood said: “This will make a real difference to the lives of these new tenants. Previously they were living in a hospital regime. This state of the art building will allow residents to live more independently, whilst being fully supported by caring, qualified staff."

The single storey building, with disabled access throughout, includes kitchen dinettes, a laundry room and an activity room. All are designed to allow residents to experience everyday living, with space for leisure and recreational activities.

The Minister continued: “The provision of a decent home for everyone is at the heart of all my endeavours. Those who need help to live a full life should be able to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else. I shall continue, through the Social Housing Development Programme, to ensure the fullest range possible of accommodation to meet the diverse needs of all our citizens.”

Jean Fulton, Group Chief Executive at Helm Housing said: “The Minister’s New Housing Agenda has delivered a further supported housing scheme to be enjoyed by tenants at The Pines. Helm is delighted to have secured housing association grant to provide this much needed new facility, which is being managed in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. It is a visible example of success through joined up thinking and partnership and delivers an excellent home environment for the tenants.”

In praising the partnership between the housing, health and voluntary sector to progress the scheme, Minister Attwood added: “Community based services just don’t happen. Helm Housing, the Housing Executive and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust are to be congratulated for coming up with a design and care package that has proved a real winner for these residents.”

Notes to editors:

1. Helm Housing is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department of Social Development, thereby gaining access to Housing Association Grant. Helm manages almost 5,000 properties including housing for families and single people, sheltered housing for older people and housing for people with special needs.
2. This 12 unit scheme (including two staff bed rooms for overnight stay) cost £1.4million, including land, construction costs and associated on costs. The Department for Social Development funded £1.2million through the Housing Executive, with the balance of £0.2 million contributed by Helm Housing through private finance.
3. The Housing Executive’s Supporting People Programme contributes £73,000 per annum to the Northern Trusts day to day running costs of the scheme.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497 or Fearghal O’Reilly on 07920 832 279. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.