A REFURBISHED bungalow in Salisbury is now home to adults with learning disabilities – helping them live more independent lives.

A supported living scheme has opened in the city thanks to work by care provider National Care Group, Wiltshire Council and Golden Lane Housing.

The trio refurbished a bungalow in the city to accommodate three people, who have already settled into their new home.

The council invested in the new accommodation and service after a survey was carried out with parent carers and young people, who highlighted gaps in provision.

Several said there was a need for more accommodation, especially in the communities where they lived, explaining how important it is to young people to choose where they live and not be forced to live in communities they have no connection with people they don’t know.

Salisbury was one area where gaps were identified of suitable accommodation for people with a learning disability.

Scott and Andrew in their supported living home. Picture: Wiltshire Council

Belinda Robinson, director of development at National Care Group, said: “The successful partnership we have established with the team at Wiltshire Council has enabled us to work collaboratively and develop a service that will meet an identified local need.

“Through careful planning, we have worked with partners at Golden Lane Housing to create a service that perfectly matches the requirements of the three new people we will be supporting.

“We look forward to seeing the tenants enjoying their new home and supporting them to become active citizens in their local community.”

The accommodation and support service is designed to ensure residents National Care Group now support can create a home for themselves and become part of the community, while still getting the expert support they need.

The service has also created several new jobs in the area and is one of a programme of developments that will be completed in Wiltshire over the coming months.

Cllr Jane Davies, cabinet member for adult social care at the council, said: “We asked our families and young people to tell us about their experiences and what we can do to help. We then acted on the responses we received and invested in this new accommodation and support and now we have this wonderful example of a supported home.

“As a local authority we’re committed to ensuring people have the opportunities to thrive and enjoy being in their communities.

“This is a great example of words turning into actions and I look forward to more examples of this collaboration in the future.”