Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan presented them with trophies to mark the occasion, organised by national charity Advance to officially open the town’s Brisco Avenue project.
The multi-partner scheme, which provides supported independent living apartments for ten adults, is the flagship of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s project to move 57 people from outdated residential accommodation.
“It's wonderful that people have moved out of long term NHS accommodation and are now enjoying new, more independent lives in refurbished properties in Loughborough, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Queniborough, Wigston and Leicester city. It has taken a lot of hard work from everyone involved, but it's been very worthwhile,” said John Short, the NHS Trust’s CEO.
“The Brisco Avenue project is an impressive new build, again with all the assistive technology and flexibility to help people with a learning disability lead a fuller life, which is fantastic.”
All the partners were represented at the high profile event, which was also packed with guests eager to hear about the project.
“We were keen to celebrate what is a triumph both for the individuals whose lives have now been transformed, and for the partners who made it possible,” said Tim Cooper, CEO of Advance, which supports people with learning disabilities or mental health issues to live the lives they want in the community.
“We believe everyone has the right to live as independently as they are able to and supported living makes financial sense too, as every pound spent on supporting people saves up to £2.65 on other public services.”
Affinity Trust is providing the support to enable individuals to live independently in their new homes. Their CEO Leo Sowerby said: “We believe supported living provides people with the best opportunities to have control over all aspects of their lives and to actively participate in their local community. This scheme has helped to transform people’s lives, open up new opportunities and experiences and support them to achieve their goals and aspirations.”
The Brisco Avenue tenants, who have become part of local life since they got the keys to their own front doors in March, chose their own furnishings and decor, and the garden features one of their must-haves, a swing.
Phil Salter, Affinity Trust’s on-site Support Manager, added: “It is a joy to see how everyone has been empowered by being supported in their own space. They have been enjoying doing many things for the first time, including shopping, making a drink in their own kitchen and playing golf.”
Funding was provided by the Homes & Communities Agency, the Department of Health, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Charnwood Borough Council and Advance. East Midlands Housing Group (EMH Group) developed the property for Advance.
Chan Kataria, EMH Group’s Chief Executive, said: “We're delighted to have been involved in the development of this much needed facility. The high quality scheme is a great example of our mission not just to build homes, but to contribute to communities and improve people's quality of life.”
Councillor Jane Hunt, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for Housing, added. “This is a great addition to the housing offering in Charnwood and helps meet the need of residents with learning disabilities. The opportunity to take up independent living can transform the lives of the people involved and I wish the development every success.”
MP Nicky Morgan was pleased to be part of the celebrations. “This is a success story for all concerned, but most importantly for the people who have achieved what most of us take for granted - to live the lives they choose in a home of their own and to be able to contribute to their community,” she said.

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. For further information please contact Communications Manager John Kay on 01993 772885, log onto  www@advanceuk.org or email  Lynne.Powell@crucialpr.com 2. For more information about Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, please contact Nicky Mawer, Communications Manager - Adult Mental Health Division & Learning Disability Division, at  Nicky.Mawer@leicspart.nhs.uk 3. For more information about East Midlands Housing Group, please contact Louise Riley at  Louise.Riley@emha.org 4. Affinity Trust provides person-centred, innovative approaches to support people living in the UK with learning disabilities. Affinity Trust supports more than 650 people throughout England and Scotland by delivering high-quality, tailored support that ranges from respite to Supported Employment opportunities. For more information about Affinity Trust, please contact Steff Lewis-Sabey on  lewis-sabey@petersencreative.com or 01242 573311.
5. Advance is a 35 year-old charitable organisation, based in Witney in Oxfordshire, which helps people with learning disabilities or mental health problems live the lives they want in the community.
6. Advance Housing is responsible for the development and maintenance of housing properties and its unique shared ownership programme - SOLD and Own Home has helped hundreds of people to move into their own homes. Advance has launched the Hold On campaign to keep mortgages affordable for disabled people. People can sign up at www.advancehousing.org.uk/holdcampaign
7. Advance Support provides a wide range of support options to people with learning disability or mental health problems. It helps people to determine their own future and tailors services to suit each person.
8. Advance Employment supports people with disabilities into work.=


Ian Cameron at Crucial PR.
01386 45764
07947012135