Living complex for people with learning disabilities set for approval in Durham

A proposed housing development to enable people with learning disabilities to live independently in County Durham is nearing final approval.

The complex will cost £3.35m and is expected to be open by June 2023. 

It is a eco-friendly build, and will feature air source heat pumps and green roofs in addition to other sustainable features.

It will consist of four properties to be used as longer-term homes, and two step-up/step-down buildings, which will become permanent if successful.

The aim is that they will allow people with learning disabilities to progress at their own pace, in response to their own needs, and gradually gain more independence. 

It is earmarked for County Durham residents, aged 18 and over, who require 24-hour support and have a diagnosis of learning disability, autism, or both.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones said he welcomes the prospect of such a development due to the ‘significant shortage’ of specialist accommodation for adults with learning difficulties and autism, ‘not just in County Durham, but across the North East’.

National charity Choice Support, which involved in other housing developments in partnership with NHS England, has been appointed to oversee the housing, and the care support provider for the development is likely to be commissioned by April.

The Harelaw project will be funded by an NHS England capital grant and is a partnership between Durham County Council, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), North of England Commissioning Support, NHS England and Choice Support.

It is part of the Transforming Care Agenda, to reduce over-reliance on in-patient provision and prevent avoidable hospital admission by offering appropriate accommodation and support.

Paul Sexton, Durham County Council Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: ‘For some people the opportunity to access support at critical times can prevent admission to hospital and enable them to develop their life skills before moving on to their longer-term home.

‘This new development will provide an opportunity for people to be supported in an appropriate home environment, where they can receive support to maximise their potential and remain as independent as possible through the use of assistive technology, skilled support staff and focused rehabilitation.’

The development underwent an extensive consultation process to understand local views, address any concerns and highlight the positive impact the scheme will have on those that call it home.

Sarah Burns, Joint Head of Integrated Strategic Commissioning, for NHS County Durham CCG and the county council, added: ‘We recognise the need in County Durham to continue to develop services for individuals with a learning disability, autism or both where individuals are part of the community.’

She said the council and NHS County Durham CCG have identified a need to increase provision within County Durham for people with learning disabilities, autism, and other associated mental health conditions.

Ms Burns added: ‘In order to respond to this, at least three new accommodation developments will be required within the next three to five years.’

In related news, a Leeds LGBTQ+ housing initiative has been crowned winner of the William Sutton Prize for social innovation.

Photo by Cliff Booth