New supported-living housing in Ham for young adults with learning disabilities and autism welcomed its first residents this week.

Richmond Council, PA Housing and Certitude worked together on the revamp of previously rundown garages into this "innovative and exciting new housing development".

The council said it "incorporates assistive technology to allow young people to live their lives their greater independence".

The development comprises:

• three one-bedroom flats (plus carer accommodation) in a small two-storey block
• a two-bedroom bungalow which includes a carer bedroom.

The council said the homes reflect its commitment to meeting the needs of young, vulnerable adults, in local community settings.

Certitude will provide care and support services for individuals within the scheme, having expertise as the largest provider across London for people with a learning disability.

How the redevelopment happened

The site – a series of garages – was bought from the council by PA Housing who have developed homes equipped to embrace modern technology.

The project received grant funding from the Greater London Authority as well as £250,000 from the council itself.

What everyone says

Cllr Liz Jaeger is the council's lead member for housing.

She said: "The redevelopment of this former council-owned land has allowed us, working together with PA Housing, to provide a 100% affordable supported-housing scheme, a wonderful and much needed addition to our stock of affordable housing.

"The opportunity for some of our more vulnerable Richmond residents to live with greater independence in a fully supported environment is a great outcome.

"There are many challenges when it comes to delivering affordable housing in Richmond upon Thames. I am delighted that the council can and does make its own land available to help deliver more affordable homes for our residents who need them and need to stay local."

PA Housing executive director of development and sales Chris Whelan said: "We are extremely proud to have worked with Richmond Council to make this life-changing development happen, and on a previously under-utilised brownfield site.

"We know that supported housing provision for young people with learning difficulties and/or autism can be scarce, and that it can be extremely difficult for families to find suitable accommodation for their loved ones near to where they live.

"With support from the Certitude team, those living in this scheme will have more independence, while remaining close to friends and family."

Gianluca Zucchelli of Certitude said : "The individuals we support and their families, are at the centre of everything we do.

"Our support is tailor-made, taking people's individual needs into account and focussing on their strengths and aspirations. Being partners of this project since design stage means we have created an environment that incorporates our expertise of supporting people to flourish and become more independent."

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