NIFHA Press Room
HELM HOUSING AND THE NORTHERN TRUST OPEN £1.5 MILLION SUPPORTED HOUSING SCHEME
Wednesday 7 July 2010
The Pines Supported Living Scheme in Antrim, was officially opened today (Wed 7 July 2010)Provided as part of the Department for Social Development New Housing Agenda by Helm Housing The Pines is jointly managed by Helm Housing and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
The new £1.5m single story building, located in the hospital grounds of Holywell Hospital provides high quality accommodation for 10 people with a mental illness.
The revenue costs for this 24/7 supported living scheme is funded by the Trust and the Housing Executive’s Supporting People Programme, and provides care and support to tenants in a homely environment
Speaking at the launch Minister for Social Development Alex Attwood said: "This will make a real difference to the lives of these new tenants at the Pines. This state of the art building will allow residents to live more independently, whilst being fully supported by caring, qualified staff.
 | Pictured at the opening are staff from The Pines Supported Living Scheme in Antrim - Heather Carroll, Support Worker, Julie Davis, Support Worker and Heather Corner, Senior Care Worker – who met Madam Mayor Councillor Pam Lewis and Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood. |
"The provision of a decent home for everyone is at the core of 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 explains how the project evolved:
“Ten people with mental illnesses were living in accommodation at the hospital at Holywell, which no longer met the required building standards.”
“The Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Supporting People team worked with Helm Housing to develop proposals for a replacement scheme designed to improve the quality of life and promote independence for residents at the Pines. Feasibility studies were carried out and through this process a green field site was identified adjacent to the existing buildings.”
“Helm Housing agreed to provide new purpose-built accommodation and to develop a Joint Management agreement with the Trust. Throughout the design process, the short, medium and long-term requirements of the tenants have been to the fore. This ethos is reflected in the layout of the building and the materials and finishes that have been utilised.”
The Pines is a single story building, with disabled access throughout the ten ensuite bedrooms and two staff ensuite bedrooms. Communal facilities in the form of two kitchen dinettes, a laundry room and an activity room enable tenants to learn to live independently while still having the support of staff.
Each tenant has his/her own ensuite bedroom, but can also interact with other tenants in the communal areas.
The accommodation has achieved an Eco-Homes Good Rating and Secured by Design accreditation, allowing tenants to feel secure in their surroundings while learning to lead a more independent lifestyle.
Jim Stewart, Chairman of the Northern Trust, said he was delighted with the scheme. He added,
“Partnership working to provide this kind of service to people with mental illness is the way forward; Helm Housing have done an excellent job with this project.
“This type of approach is particularly pleasing because it recognises the need and the right of people with a mental illness both to live independently and to take their place as full members of society.”
The need for social inclusion reflects the Trust’s long-term mental health strategy. People with a mental illness need to be cared for in their own homes as far as possible.
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Michael McGimpsey added his support to the scheme.
“The Pines is a fine example of the way forward in supporting people with a mental illness. It reflects the recommendations of the Bamford Review carried out in October 2006. I want to congratulate The Northern Trust and Helm Housing for a successful partnership.”
Ends
For all media enquiries please contact Janet McKay on 07968 817514 or email janet@janetmckaypr.com
Notes to Editor
Helm Housing is Northern Ireland’s largest housing association and provides over 5,000 properties throughout Northern Ireland with affordable and high quality service and accommodation.
Project Costs
- Total cost £1,447,832
- Started onsite 30 March 2007
- Practical completion 29 September 2008
- Current Supporting People Funding - £73K / annum
Scheme mix
10 No. bed spaces each providing ensuite single bedroom accommodation for 10 tenants with access to communal kitchenettes, activity room, and laundry room.
Design Team
Architect Knox and Maxwell
QS WH Stephens
Contractor Qmac Construction Limited
M&E Consultants Cladwell Consulting
CDM C0-ordinator Campagna Ltd
Structural Engineering Taylor and Boyd
