Ł920K Supported Housing Scheme Is Opened

14 December 2004
Ł920K SUPPORTED HOUSING SCHEME IS OPENED
An innovative housing development, tailored to the needs of people with profound disabilities, was officially opened at Finaghy Road South in Belfast today.

The Ł920K Hillmount Close development consists of seven purpose-built apartments and a staff facility to provide unobtrusive, sensitive support for residents who also benefit from a wide range of cutting edge SMART and assistive technologies, which enable residents to be as independent as possible.

Hillmount Close is a joint venture between Habinteg Housing Association (Ulster) Ltd and the Cedar Foundation and is supported by funding of Ł776K from the Department for Social Development.

Today’s official opening was carried out jointly by Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Social Development and Clive Gowdy, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Mr Shannon paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of Habinteg and the Cedar Foundation, which is the joint managing partner for the scheme and the scheme contractors and consultants.

"A project like this is not just about bricks and mortar: it is about providing homes that give their occupants a high degree of independence and quality of life despite the challenges they face from their disabilities."

Mr Gowdy praised the innovative approach taken and commended both the Cedar Foundation and the Habinteg Housing Association for the careful planning which had gone into this development.

He said: "We want to do all we can to support disabled people to live independent lives. This project has made that a reality for the people who will live here. Innovative thinking and the use of new technology have ensured that this accommodation is tailored to the particular needs of the individual residents and will ensure that they enjoy a good quality of life."

John Spellar MP, the Minister for Social Development said that the Hillmount Close development was an excellent example of the contribution made by the voluntary housing movement.

He said: "Housing Associations and their partners are playing a vital role in providing supported accommodation and housing support services to vulnerable people to help maintain stable and independent lives in the community. My department is delighted to support them in such worthy work."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Habinteg Housing Association is one of 39 registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1977 and has stock of almost 1,300 homes catering for all types of need, including housing for the homeless, families, and single persons as well as sheltered housing for elderly people. It has plans to provide a further 600 units over the next three years. The Association provides a wide range of supported housing for people with special needs managed through partnerships with Health and Social Services Trusts and Voluntary Organisations.

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