The flats were specially designed with complex disability in mind providing physically disabled young adults with affordable fully accessible accommodation in the heart of the community in Alton.
A year on we caught up with the first residents to find out how they’re getting on in their new homes. We asked Zoe about the benefits of living in Rivermead Gardens:
“I am still in an area I am familiar with. I can still use same doctors, dentists, hairdressers; I’m still under Basingstoke wheelchair services, so I don’t have to start any of the services again. I can still use the gym and swimming pool that I know. I am with other disabled residents. I am now in my forever home which is suitable for my needs.”
The flats include two carer studios on the floor directly above them. These studios allow for live-in carers, should they be required by the residents.
For Zoe, this means:
“I have 24-hour care so can do what I want when I want to. I found it strange to begin with that I didn’t need to book care but now I wouldn’t change it.”
One of the first residents to move in was Kane, who met East Hampshire MP, Rt Hon Damian Hinds for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Kane’s mother Kerry said:
“The community is great and access to the town is wheelchair friendly. Kane has been involved with events linked to the local bookshop in Alton. The parking is good and there is always a space outside the residence. Maintenance responds quickly and workmen have been cheerful, respectful and [they] work round the needs of the residents. The garden is lovely and has given residents an opportunity to meet during the warm months and get to know each other. As a parent, it has been a great relief to see Kane in such a wonderful environment in so many ways and to see him happy. This has been life charging.”
Treloar’s purchased the flats using a Section 106 agreement as part of the affordable housing quota for the wider 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, because of the shortage of suitable accommodation. The flats at Rivermead Gardens help to address these challenges, providing comprehensive access and care, and increasing the opportunities for independent living currently available in the local area.
Treloar’s are proud to have provided young people with the opportunity to lead and enjoy independent and fulfilled lives, integrated within their local community, all while having supportive care in an environment specifically suited to their individual needs.
Kane’s mother Kerry said:
“Without this opportunity, Kane would still be at home and this would not have allowed independence. From my side, it is lovely to see him happy being at Rivermead.”