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Chloe thrives in her new supported housing bungalow in South Tyneside

Two new supported housing schemes in South Tyneside, a partnership between Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council, are providing a much-needed boost to specialist accommodation in the borough. 

20-year-old Chloe, is one the first residents to benefit from the new homes. 

Chloe, who is autistic and has ADHD, moved into her bungalow in Hebburn in April, and after just a few months is absolutely thriving in her new home. 

“I love having my own house, it’s great”, said Chloe. “I love my garden where I can sit outside or play football, and I love cooking in my kitchen. I like the peace and quiet but I also like that I can have people come visit.” 

Before moving to her new bungalow, Chloe lived at home with family five miles away. Carol is Chloe’s mum.  

“A few years ago Chloe’s dad took ill and it stopped us in our tracks. You think you’re invincible until something like that happens and I realised I needed a plan for if something were to happen to us and we couldn’t look after Chloe anymore. 

“When we heard that Karbon were building these bungalows and Chloe was on the council’s allocations list to get one, I was over the moon.” 

Chloe recalls how she felt hearing the news she was moving to her own home. “I was very excited, I was ready for it. My sisters helped me pick everything to get it how I’d like it and the first thing I bought was a sofa, which was really exciting.”  

Carol added: “I was quite nervous as I didn’t know how she’d adapt, but the move went so well and she’s settled in quickly. It’s been such a success, I’m so proud of her. 

“I can’t fault anything with the bungalow. It’s just perfect. And the change we’ve seen in her overall is amazing. It’s day and night from how she was when living at home.”

 

 

Chloe (left) and her mum Carol

 

 

The two schemes are designed to support residents with learning disabilities, autism and complex care needs to live more independently. Residents can live more independently with the benefit of 24/7 onsite care and support.

Due to suffering with seizures, Chloe requires care around the clock. This is provided by one of the commissioned care providers for the scheme, Coquet Trust. 

Chloe said: “The staff are lovely. It’s really nice to have them around. We walk together down to the shops and we go out together on the bus. I love going on the bus and the stop is just on the street outside.” 

Research shows that around three quarters of UK adults with a severe learning disability still live at their family home, due to the lack of specialist accommodation available. The schemes are also enabling South Tyneside Council to move residents back to the borough who had no other option than to move away to access accommodation that met their needs. 

Carol said: “There definitely needs to be more housing like this built. This type of accommodation is life-changing, not just for the residents but for their families.  

“Knowing Chloe is ok and being looked after here gives me such peace of mind. This is what I wanted for her and I couldn’t be happier to see her thriving.

 

 

Chloe (right) with one of the care providers from the Coquet Trust

 

 

Chatting about the future, Chloe is going to college in September to do a discovery course designed to support individuals with learning difficulties. 

“I’m looking forward to going to college. I like being busy, meeting new people and learning new things. I’m also looking forward to decorating my house more. I want to get some family photos up in the living room and get some colour on the white walls.” 

“And it’s nice to know that Mum isn’t worried about me. 

Carol added: “The future looks so bright for Chloe now she’s settled into her forever home. I couldn’t be happier.” 

The two new supported housing scheme are part-funded through Karbon’s strategic partnership with the Government’s housing delivery agency, Homes England, to deliver 2,234 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire. 

10% has been dedicated to the development of new homes for people requiring additional support needs.  

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