Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA officially opened a new £630,000 supported living scheme in Downpatrick today (Wednesday 4 February).
The scheme is based in a refurbished, four storey, listed Georgian building at English Street. It will house eight young people leaving the care system and will give them support to learn the life skills required to move to more permanent accommodation in the future.
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At the launch of the supported accomodation project for young people in Downpatrick in English Street were Carl, a resident, Steve Amos, Chair of the Clanmill Housing Association, and DSD MInister Mervyn Storey.[/caption]
Speaking at the reception held in the Down Arts Centre a short distance away from English Street, Minister Storey said: “This is a great facility which will make a huge difference to the daily lives of some of our most vulnerable young people. My Department has been able to help put in place not just the bricks and mortar element here, but also the ongoing support through the Supporting People programme.
“Together with the funding from Clanmil Housing and the management of the property by MACS (Mulholland After Care Service) Supporting Young People, we can help these young people move towards independent living.”
Health Minister Jim Wells has also welcomed the project and said: “Supported living offers a much-needed alternative to children’s homes and fostering for some vulnerable people in their late teens, who are unable to live with parents and family. This impressive facility provides a safe, homely environment for those young people, helping them to make the transition from mainstream care to living more independent lives.
“This project demonstrates how important it is that we continue to work together, across government and voluntary sectors, to deliver the safe, high quality living environment for those who need it most.”
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Representatives from the support agencies and the new residents with MInister Mervyn Storey at the official opening of the supported living scheme for young people in Downpatrick.[/caption]
Steve Amos, Chair of the Clanmil Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to see this lovely old building back in use as home to young people who are getting to grips with living independently for the first time. The scheme helps young people who are not quite ready to take on the responsibilities of managing a place of their own to get the experience they need while benefitting from the fantastic support that MACS staff provide.
“Our vision at Clanmil is for everyone to have a great home and we are absolutely delighted to be part of a scheme that sets young people off on the right path to becoming responsible tenants and good neighbours.”
Sinead O’Flaherty, Service Manager at MACS, said: “We are delighted to be able to expand our range of support to young people within the South Eastern HSC Trust area. The addition of Supported Housing to MACS Downpatrick sees the integration of our established Floating Support Service with a dedicated housing support team. From this scheme, we are providing housing related support and interventions to 75 young people in the community and to eight young people in self contained accommodation here at English Street.
“This initiative is the culmination of partnership working between Supporting People, The South Eastern Trust, Clanmil Housing and MACS.”
Attending the event, Councillor Billy Walker, Down District Council Chairman, also said: “I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the official launch of the Supported Housing Scheme and the refurbishment of 9 English Street, located in Downpatrick in the heart of the County town.
“I welcome the scheme to Downpatrick. It is an excellent example of the work that can be done, and the provision that can be created when several agencies work together. I am especially pleased that this particular scheme is focused on re-housing and nurturing young people.
“When I took up the role of First Citizen of Down District in June 2014, I gave my commitment to work with and support the young people of our district. They are our future and the theme of my Chairman’s Awards this year looks to recognise the outstanding achievements of young people in our Community.
“Congratulations to everyone who worked hard bringing this project to completion and I wish all the tenants health and happiness in their new home.”
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