Mayor celebrates launch of new scheme in Stockton
The Mayor, Councillor William Noble, officially launched a new housing service to help disadvantaged adults in Stockton today.
The service, which is funded by Stockton Supporting People programme is a year old and provides 12 one-bedroom flats with communal areas for residents to share and socialise. Endeavour Housing Association provides the accommodation and Carr-Gomm staff provide 24-hour support to help people develop their skills for independent living and create a valued future of their choice. The aim is to help residents develop these skills so that they are able to move on into their own homes.
The Mayor, said: “Over the last year, Carr-Gomm and Endeavour Housing Association have helped support some of the most needy people in our community. They have provided these people with accommodation, daily support and encouragement to increase their confidence and ability to achieve what they want in life.”
Charity founder, Richard Carr-Gomm, joined the Mayor to launch an additional accommodation service which provides six, two-bedroom flats neighbouring the 12-bedroom property. The flats are designed for residents who no longer need 24 hour support, but still require help to maintain their homes.
Helen Mann, project manager, said: “Over the last year we have seen many of our clients’ confidence and skills come on in leaps and bounds. In fact, with the help of staff, some of the clients now need significantly less support and they have now moved out of the 24-hour supported accommodation into the new self contained flats in a managed and safe way. They still receive some support but not as much. Staff will continue to work with them until they are ready to move into their own home.”
The new move-on flats also provide support and accommodation to families. Peter Smith, Supporting People lead officer, said: “The whole project has been an excellent example of partnership working”.
Local support agencies and neighbours have been invited to the open day on 15 June. They had the opportunity to meet staff and residents and learn more about the service and its benefits for residents.
Angela Lockwood, Managing Director of Endeavour, adds: “I would like to thank the Mayor and the local community, the Supporting People Team, and Carr-Gomm who have worked together to make the scheme work. The launch of the new 6, two-bedroom scheme is testament to the success of the service and our commitment to help disadvantaged people. Endeavour Housing Association is proud to be involved.”
