Two new supported housing schemes in South Tyneside have provided a much-needed boost to specialist accommodation in the borough, and residents are already singing the praises of their new homes.
22 year old Jess was one of the first residents to move in to the new scheme in the spring, and since getting settled she's told us that her new home is everything she could wish for.
Jess, who has autism and sensory needs, has experienced several care placements throughout her life, but says the move to Jarrow feels like a turning point.
She told us: “Since moving in, I’ve felt a sense of relief – I can finally breathe again.”
“My new home is everything I could wish for. I’m in my own place with my own space, surrounded by people that care who are committed to helping me grow and thrive. It’s the best thing that’s happened in terms of me leading a fulfilling life.
"For the first time in a long time, I can officially say I’m happy in my home.”
Developed to support residents with learning disabilities, autism and complex care needs to live more independently, the schemes are a partnership between Karbon and South Tyneside Council.
All 21 of the new homes have been allocated through South Tyneside Council and residents have been prioritised to reduce the need for them to go into residential care or to move outside the borough. For some of the new residents, who were previously forced to move outside the borough because of the lack of options available to them, the schemes have enabled them to come home to their friends, family and support networks.
Before moving in, Jess made a bold request to design her own support plan and deliver training to the team who would be supporting her. Her care provider Lifeways, commissioned by South Tyneside Council's Adult Social Care team, were more than happy to say yes.
Jess has created and is delivering engaging sessions to five frontline team members and an area manager, covering everything from her autism diagnosis and sensory needs to crisis support strategies and building trusted relationships.
Jess said that in previous placements, support plans were created for her instead of by her so didn’t always deliver the support she needed.
“For as long as I can remember, my support plans were created by professionals who, while well-intentioned, were not me,” she said.
“They worked with the information they had – but it wasn’t all of me. I now understand what person-centred care really means, and how it allows individuals not only to access meaningful support but to live fulfilling lives. That’s what I wanted for myself.”
Jess has been actively involved in every support planning meeting since moving in and continues to guide the development of her care.
Cllr Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: “We’ve worked with Karbon Homes to build these specialist facilities for people exactly like Jess - individuals with incredible potential who simply need the right environment to flourish. Here, they can live independently, with the right care and support close at hand.
“It’s about creating homes, not just housing, where people can thrive with dignity and confidence.”
The delivery of the schemes were both part-funded by Homes England, through our Strategic Partnership with the Government’s housing delivery agency.
The strategic partnership has provided us with £181m in funding to deliver 2,324 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years, 10% of which has been dedicated to the development of new homes for people requiring additional support needs.
Two new supported housing schemes in South Tyneside have provided a much-needed boost to specialist accommodation in the borough, and residents are already singing the praises of their new homes.
22 year old Jess was one of the first residents to move in to the new scheme in the spring, and since getting settled she's told us that her new home is everything she could wish for.
Jess, who has autism and sensory needs, has experienced several care placements throughout her life, but says the move to Jarrow feels like a turning point.
She told us: “Since moving in, I’ve felt a sense of relief – I can finally breathe again.”
“My new home is everything I could wish for. I’m in my own place with my own space, surrounded by people that care who are committed to helping me grow and thrive. It’s the best thing that’s happened in terms of me leading a fulfilling life.
"For the first time in a long time, I can officially say I’m happy in my home.”
Developed to support residents with learning disabilities, autism and complex care needs to live more independently, the schemes are a partnership between Karbon and South Tyneside Council.
All 21 of the new homes have been allocated through South Tyneside Council and residents have been prioritised to reduce the need for them to go into residential care or to move outside the borough. For some of the new residents, who were previously forced to move outside the borough because of the lack of options available to them, the schemes have enabled them to come home to their friends, family and support networks.
Before moving in, Jess made a bold request to design her own support plan and deliver training to the team who would be supporting her. Her care provider Lifeways, commissioned by South Tyneside Council's Adult Social Care team, were more than happy to say yes.
Jess has created and is delivering engaging sessions to five frontline team members and an area manager, covering everything from her autism diagnosis and sensory needs to crisis support strategies and building trusted relationships.
Jess said that in previous placements, support plans were created for her instead of by her so didn’t always deliver the support she needed.
“For as long as I can remember, my support plans were created by professionals who, while well-intentioned, were not me,” she said.
“They worked with the information they had – but it wasn’t all of me. I now understand what person-centred care really means, and how it allows individuals not only to access meaningful support but to live fulfilling lives. That’s what I wanted for myself.”
Jess has been actively involved in every support planning meeting since moving in and continues to guide the development of her care.
Cllr Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: “We’ve worked with Karbon Homes to build these specialist facilities for people exactly like Jess - individuals with incredible potential who simply need the right environment to flourish. Here, they can live independently, with the right care and support close at hand.
“It’s about creating homes, not just housing, where people can thrive with dignity and confidence.”
The delivery of the schemes were both part-funded by Homes England, through our Strategic Partnership with the Government’s housing delivery agency.
The strategic partnership has provided us with £181m in funding to deliver 2,324 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years, 10% of which has been dedicated to the development of new homes for people requiring additional support needs.
More news
Langley Park Boxing Club opens doors to support community, fitness and futures
Local coach and Karbon Heating Engineer, Harry Thorpe, founded the not-for-profit boxing club motivated by a desire to give back to the community. Karbon Homes were delighted to support Harry's venture providing a building to welcome space for children, teenagers and adults alike to get fit, learn new skills and build confidence.
Our summer 2025 edition of At Home with Karbon has arrived!
This edition is packed with stories from across our communities, as well as helpful information and advice we’re pleased to share with you.