West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) housing provider, Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH) is celebrating the completion of a new supported housing scheme for adults with acquired brain injury and mental health needs.
Moray Lodge is an ambitious new-build project on the site of a former care home. It is made up of 20 self-contained apartments providing independent supported living for residents, with 24-hour support available. The new look Moray Lodge also includes staff offices, therapy rooms and communal gardens, providing spaces for residents to get the treatment they need and to socialise with friends, family and other residents in a comfortable, safe space designed to meet their needs.
NPH held a small, COVID-19 safe, outdoor event to mark the opening on Thursday 9th December. Andrew Lewer MBE MP officially opened the building and guests had the chance to meet some of the new residents.
Helen Town, Assistant Director for Asset Management and Development at NPH said: “I’m extremely proud of this new development, which meets an ongoing need for supported housing in Northampton. The building and surrounding green space has been thoughtfully designed and all the new homes have been built to a high specification with sustainability at the heart of the design. We worked extremely hard to make sure the new homes allowed residents to feel comfortable and supported in homes that work for them. We’re delighted to see the new residents moving in, and everyone at NPH wishes them all the best in their new homes. I’d like to thank West Northamptonshire Council and our care providers for their support throughout this project.”
The redevelopment of Moray Lodge began in 2019, after it was recognised by local authority that additional housing was needed for those with acquired brain injuries and mental health problems.
Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of West Northants Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure said: “We are delighted to see the opening of Moray Lodge. Providing a safe, stable, and supportive place to live can be the key to unlocking better outcomes for vulnerable people. Working with our partners we recognised the need for more self-contained accommodation for people in West Northants with support needs, to help them live happier independent lives. We know this independence can have an enormous positive impact on an individual’s quality of life from their physical and mental health to their engagement with the community.”
Residents have started moving into their new homes in the past few weeks, and their 24/7 care is being provided by Leonard Cheshire and Creative Support.
Leonard Cheshire CEO Ruth Owen commented: “I’m very excited about Moray Lodge and what we’re trying to achieve by developing more supported living spaces. The partnership with NPH is indicative of the type of collaboration necessary to provide accommodation and support that can enhance quality of life for people with ABI and encourage more inclusive communities.”
Elizabeth Smith, Area Manager at Creative Support said: “We are so excited to be part of this wonderful new partnership with NPH and WNC, we’re pleased to see the need for mental health services being recognised in this way. It is a privilege to be the care provider supporting people to rebuild their confidence and independence. This scheme has been designed with clients in mind, there is open community space which will help to reduce isolation and support with the recovery cycle. This is an exciting time for all of us and we are looking forward to providing opportunities, choice and wellbeing to encourage and promote the needs of those we support.”
This is the second new supported living development NPH has completed this year. Oak Tree Rise, a scheme comprising of eight semi-detached bungalows for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs was opened in April.
NPH, on behalf of WNC, is delivering an ambitious development programme to increase the supply of Council homes locally. You can find out more on their website https://www.nph.org.uk/new-build-and-neighbourhood-investment
Header image shows the entrance to Moray Lodge.
