East Hampshire MP, Rt Hon Damian Hinds, today opened four new flats at the Rivermead Gardens housing development in Alton which have been specially designed with complex disability in mind. The flats, funded by Treloar’s, will provide physically disabled young adults with affordable fully accessible accommodation which is so desperately lacking in the local community.
The flats also include two carer studios on the floor directly above them. These studios allow for live-in carers, should they be required by the residents.
Treloar’s believes the new flats will enable the young adults to live more independently in the heart of a community and fully engage with life around the town, including excellent access to shops, volunteering and work opportunities, outdoor spaces and a chance for greater social inclusion.
Treloar's is grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for their support to equip the flats with accessible features including: accessible switches, sockets and stop cocks, ceiling hoists, easy grip taps and bathroom fittings, door entry phone and powered doors, adjustable height kitchen fittings and enough space for powered wheelchair charging and transfer space.
Treloar’s purchased the flats using a Section 106 agreement as part of the affordable housing quota for the larger Rivermead Gardens development. This followed significant work undertaken by Treloar’s with East Hampshire District Council and the property developers to influence development and planning and open up more opportunities for accessible affordable homes in the future.
Many young adults with complex needs are prevented from leaving home or educational environments, because of the shortage of suitable accommodation. The new flats at Rivermead Gardens will help to address these challenges, providing comprehensive access and care, and increasing the opportunities for independent living currently available in the local area.
Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP, said: "I am delighted to see the fantastic work Treloar’s has done to empower young people living with disabilities in our community. Comprehensive care and accessible accommodation will enable people with complex disabilities to live, work and thrive independently. I’m proud to see this work being done in East Hampshire and hope it’s a blueprint for future developments."
Martin Ingram, Principal of Treloar School and College, said: "We are excited to have supported the development of these fully accessible flats. It is important to us that people have the opportunity to lead and enjoy independent and fulfilled lives, and that their enjoyment is enhanced, not hindered, by their living arrangements. The development at Rivermead Gardens will enable young adults with complex disabilities to live centrally in Alton. This will mean they can integrate and engage with their local community, and access more employment opportunities, all while having supportive care in an environment specifically suited to their individual needs."