‘A facility like this in Guernsey was really necessary’

The residential facility consists of 14 flats, eight on the ground floor and six on the first floor.

In addition to the facilities in each flat, there are also communal living and cooking spaces and outdoor spaces.

‘All of the people have some degree of physical disability, so there are particular requirements such as the door width, hoists, space for showering and personal hygiene,’ said Health & Social Care project manager Will Jones.

‘The flats have all come with a certain amount of furniture to get people started and then when they move in they can personalise it further.

‘They have selected their own artwork for their rooms so there is something familiar for when they arrive.’

Even if the resident does not require a hoist, fittings have been installed to avoid future work having to be done should the need arise.

There is an accessible swing in the garden area for people in wheelchairs, and in communal areas, accessible, height adjustable tables, specialist seating, heat panels in the ceiling, so radiators do not need to be on the walls and visible signage to orientate people to the building.

‘Some of the new residents are living in the Duchess of Kent, some are in HSC residential homes, and a couple live at homes with their families,’ said Mr Jones.

‘The last few weeks, we have been doing familiarisation sessions, for people to come and visit.

‘Some flats already have people’s personal items in and families have been around for a look too.’

The flats have incorporated assistive technology, with the potential to be connected by various sensors to note when, for example, someone gets out of a chair.

Staff will be available to speak to by just pulling a cord.

‘It’s using technology to better meet people’s care needs,’ said Mr Jones.

‘It also keeps a log of the calls that have been made through the system, and can be used to assess people’s needs and any trends that might arise.’

GHA board member Rachel Copeland said that the flats were intended to provide a home, rather than just a place to live.

‘This accommodation provides residents with purpose-built homes to support independence but also shared spaces to enable community,’ she said.

‘The GHA is a landlord but crucially we’re about making homes work and we’re grateful for the partnerships and collaboration which has made this a reality.’

The new residents, who range in age from their 30s to their 60s, have a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities.

Completion of the project has been delayed some eight months, but new residents and their families are delighted and relieved to be finally moving in, and the project has been welcomed by Guernsey Mencap too.

‘There really is no comparison to where they currently are. They’ll now have their own space where they can spend time alone, as well as the communal areas. It will also be a lot easier to access the community,’ said La Vieille Plage manager Denise O’Sullivan.

‘A lot of their families are really happy. They’re happy that they’ve got a place to stay, but also a place to call home that they can make their own. It will also mean easier access for visits and they will have their own flats where they can visit and have time alone with their loved ones, which they haven’t been able to do.

‘A facility like this in Guernsey was really necessary. There are also things that are a big deal for us, we’re used to using manual hoists and it’s just amazing and really exciting for us too.

HSC specialists advised the GHA on the requirements for the flats.

Committee president George Oswald said the new development set a standard.

‘The GHA have about 74 places for people with complex disability, both mental and physical, and this sets the standard for what we’re trying to achieve,’ he said.

‘Some of the people who will be moving in are currently at the Duchess of Kent, which means that site will be empty, but you look at it and wonder how people with major disabilities are able to live there.

‘There are about 50 people with disabilities currently in inappropriate housing who will need to be moved at some point, and another 30 in the community who are on the waiting list for a place.’