New Development to Support Young Adults with Learning Disabilities

Young people with learning disabilities and autism will soon be able to take their first steps towards living independently in their own homes thanks to new Bristol based scheme, ‘The Haven.’

We are pleased to announce that Elim have now submitted planning application for the development of six one-bedroom bungalows with private gardens, sensory pods, associated care provision and facilities for onsite activities for young adults with learning disabilities and autism.

The homes have been designed keeping in mind the sensory sensitivities of people with autism; informed by commissioners, professionals and people with lived experience.

Person-centred support to residents in leading the lives they choose; for example, to access education, training, volunteering and jobs, pursue their hobbies and interests and learn daily living skills will support their transition to adulthood. This is often the age when young people are admitted to hospitals due to deterioration in their mental health and then left living their lives in hospitals for years.

Naina Mandleker, Project Consultant for Elim said: “We are excited to be one step closer to delivering this valuable new development. By providing this scheme in partnership with Bristol City Council we will keep young people with learning disabilities and autism in their homes, local and connected with their communities.”

The property to be developed by Elim, will be built to a high specification, and include features such as underfloor heating, solar panels, sound proofing, private and communal sensory space. The whole development will be fully wheelchair accessible.

This project aligns with the NHS England initiative “Building the right support”, which aims to halve the number of learning disabled and autistic people in inpatient settings.