First specialist autism bungalows completed

Wednesday 18 September 2019

Eight bungalows, which have been specifically designed for people with autism, are now complete, meaning local people who were sent to the UK for extra care can finally return to the island.

The Guernsey Housing Association's latest development was carried out in partnership with the Committees for Health and Social Care and Employment and Social Security.

The properties look and feel like regular domestic properties, but with design features that aim to make life easier for those with autism. They include high levels of sound insulation, assistive technology, a sensory garden and a sensory gym.

Pictured: Sensory garden with inbuilt trampoline.

"It has taken a long time to get here but it's really worth it," said HSC President, Deputy Heidi Soulsby. "It's got the needs of the users at the forefront and the way it's been designed is to enable independence, but also take into account people with autism and things that affect them.

"There's about six people coming back from the UK. We've worked out in terms of cost it saves us money bringing people over here, but it's not about that. It's about people being closer to their families and being a part of the community that they were born in."

Le Vieux Jardin has been supported financially by ESS with land and a grant, while the remaining funding came from a long-term loan taken out by the GHA.

Pictured: Deputies Heidi Soulsby and Michelle Le Clerc officially opening the development.

"We've been working on the design for two or three years with Health and Social Care staff," explained GHA Chief Executive, Steve Williams. "We've evolved it over time. It was a bit difficult because there wasn't a particular blueprint for accommodation for people with autism and we had to look at what they did in the UK and elsewhere.

"We're really pleased with it. It's looking great and I'm sure it will be a real big success."

The construction, which also includes twenty rented flats and care staff accommodation, cost just over £5million to build.

ESS President, Deputy Michelle Le Clerc said the project has been a long time coming:

"Heidi and I were both on HSSD board last term and we talked about bringing people back to the island that were living in accommodation in the UK. It is part of the Supported Living and Ageing Well Strategy, it's part of the Disability and Inclusion Strategy, so it's all tied up with that. It's great that finally, after talking, we've actually got bricks and mortar and are bringing people back."

Pictured: The kitchen in one of the specialist bungalows.

Residents are lined up for each of the eight bungalows, with the first moving in within the next fortnight.

"We've got interest from the UK, with people wanting to know what we've done," added Deputy Soulsby. "I think it could be a blueprint for other organisations and places.

"They are all filled and that says something - that need has been there. We've got to look at whether it Is possible to extend in the future.

"This is another step in terms of looking after the needs of islanders, it depends on what their needs are and what sort of facilities we need to provide. The concept is very good but that's what community hubs are all about. They provide services for people to be able to access easily."