DROITWICH is to get its first supported living housing scheme for people with autism and other complex needs.
The Burrows, which will have eight individual flats with a communal area, is being created following a link-up between Autism West Midlands, Fortis Living and Worcestershire County Council and will also create around 50 jobs.
Due to open in spring next year, there will be 24-hour specialist support.
Supported living offers an alternative to residential care, enabling residing to rent their home and have more control over the support they receive.
The name – The Burrows – was chosen by the people currently being supported by Autism West Midlands.
Flats will be allocated by the council.
Michelle Cox-Coley, Autism West Midlands’ operations manager, said: “It is an exciting project, not just for us, but for the people in Droitwich and the surrounding area with autism and complex needs as it will give them the opportunity to live in their own home.
“We have a similar supportive living scheme in Smethwick and that has worked really well.
“It has been a very successful project and we are hoping The Burrows will have the same impact.”
Elaine Carolan, Worcestershire County Council’s strategic commissioner, said the development gave people with complex autism the opportunity to live more independent lives.
“We look forward to working with all our partners to make this a fantastic place to live.”
She added it was an exciting project for people with autism, and those who have a passion for supporting people with autism.
Autism West Midlands will be recruiting experienced, motivated support staff later this year and early next year.
Anyone with a passion for delivering personalised support for people with autism and complex needs and those committed to delivering the best outcomes for people can register at autismwestmidlands.org.uk/careers/theburrows for updates.
Autism West Midlands wants to create a world where people with autism are universally understood and accepted as equal citizens.
It provides specialist support and advice to people of all ages with the condition, along with their families so they can reach their full potential.
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