DSD minister opens £1.2million supported housing scheme

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today opened an innovative housing scheme that allows people with disabilities to live independently.

She was visiting Springfield Court in West Belfast where the pioneering project was developed jointly by Leonard Cheshire Northern Ireland and Oaklee Housing Association.

The £1.2million complex comprises two double and eight single bedroom bungalows providing accommodation for 12 adults with physical disabilities. There are also communal facilities which include a laundry and a common room.

The Minister toured the homes and met with tenants before cutting a ribbon to mark the formal opening. She said:

“I am highly impressed by what I have seen today. The vision of the pioneering individuals who designed this model of living to allow people with disabilities to live independently within their local communities must be acknowledged and I would like to congratulate them on a job well done.

“Springfield Court is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about providing quality accommodation and an environment that meets the housing needs of the people who live here. It is about quality of life. It is about partnership. In short, Springfield Court is about people.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Leonard Cheshire Northern Ireland provides over 400 people with physical and learning disabilities with support through its flexible services. The ethos behind their services is a commitment to the empowerment and right to self-determination of disabled people.
2. Springfield Court is a partnership between Leonard Cheshire and Oaklee Housing. Oaklee Housing have built the project, which is then support-managed by Leonard Cheshire. Additionally the service delivery funders are the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (Supporting People) and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
3. Leonard Cheshire provides support packages, tailored to each tenant’s requirements. They deliver these services under the ethos of ‘independent living’, which means that even those disabled people with multiple or complex disabilities can live independently within their local community and decide what level of support suits their individual needs.
4. Oaklee Housing Association is one of 36 associations registered within DSD.
5. The Association has more than 4000 units in management and operates throughout Northern Ireland providing a diverse range of housing - from single person units through general needs, sheltered and a range of supported housing for people with special needs.
6. Media enquiries to DSD Information on 028 9082 9497.