A NEW council complex for people without homes and facing difficulties in supporting themselves to live independently, has welcomed its first residents.
North East Lincolnshire Council has taken a long-term lease on Swan House – a 29-apartment building in New Haven Terrace, Grimsby. Developed and refurbished privately, the building was empty when the council stepped in.
A welcome alternative to putting those who are eligible for statutory homelessness assistance in bed and breakfast or other alternative and expensive accommodation, clients are offered recently-furnished smart one and two-bed apartments within the secure complex.
Once there, residents have fully fitted kitchens and appliances, such as washing machines, that enable them to live safely and do their own cooking and washing. They are also responsible for their own cleaning and managing their budgets to pay bills.
Inside Swan House
Importantly, support is also available from the council and its partners to help those who may have issues with money, benefits, or health and wellbeing. Round-the-clock housing management, and external and internal CCTV also ensures security.
On a visit to look at the facilities, members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet joined senior officers and members of the authority’s Home Options Team for a tour of the premises. With a chance to meet some of the residents, the authority’s Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, who also has responsibility for housing, welcomed the initiative as a blueprint for the future.
“We were very excited at the idea of Swan House when we approved it at Cabinet last year, and now having seen it in person, it brings the idea to life. This facility will have such a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people in our borough.”
Inside the bathrooms at Swan House
“It is clear to see that the Home Options Team have worked hard, thinking how Swan House will benefit those living there but also how it can add to the community around it. They have thought about every minor detail down to frosted glass in the hallways, so neighbours still have privacy in their gardens, and initiatives to keep the alleyways clean and tidy.
“Swan House welcoming its residents is a fantastic achievement and we’re very excited to see where this project will take us in helping homeless people in North East Lincolnshire,” added Cllr Jackson.
His views were shared by Deputy Leader, Cllr Stan Shreeve who has responsibilities for Adult Social Care.
After speaking to one resident, who has health needs but is determined to use Swan House as a stepping stone to an independent life, Cllr Shreeve said: “This is a great example of how we, as a council, can really support people to the extent that we may well be helping to save lives.”
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