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People with learning difficulties are trapped in hospitals. They need more appropriate housing
A lack of housing options is preventing people with learning difficulties from living independent lives. The housing sector must help change that, writes Sara Keetley
Last month’s Learning Disability Week (17-23 June), led by Mencap, aimed to raise awareness of issues facing people with learning disabilities, and to ensure they have equal access to life’s opportunities.
NHS data from February showed that 36% of people in hospital with learning disabilities had been there for more than two years.
Yes, you read that right – two years. This shows the shocking truth that a century on from the age of asylums, society still isn’t housing people with learning disabilities appropriately.
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Part of the problem is accessing housing with the support needed to live independently. Mencap research shows that just one in three people with a learning disability lives in supported housing or a registered care home.
Moreover, most people with a learning disability say they want to live independently, either by themselves (40%) or sharing a home with friends (30%).
As a registered social worker leading Sanctuary Group’s supported living operation, I feel society needs to recognise that everyone needs to have choice in and control over where they live.
“Mencap research shows that just one in three people with a learning disability lives in supported housing or a registered care home”
At Sanctuary Supported Living, our ethos is ‘pathways to independence’. Our commitment is to recognise that everyone’s journey is different and their home needs to reflect this.
This commitment underpins everything we do in nearly 100 services around the country, supporting more than 500 people with learning disabilities.
Just as importantly, our view is that learning disabilities shouldn’t be seen as barriers to being part of the community. Residents from our Corner House scheme in Mansfield, for example, have been trained in fire safety and personal safety, with further training days hosted for community groups.
At the same service, an innovative project saw staff working with residents to tackle the difficult topic of death. The Starlight course covered various aspects, including different faiths and beliefs, and featured visits to crematoriums.
The initiative gave residents autonomy over what would happen to them following death and helped them to understand the concept of death itself – something most of us take for granted.
At another of our services, Tilmore Gardens in Petersfield, pathways to independence has been implemented through vision statements the residents write, describing the service’s most important elements.
Our residents are always keen to showcase their talents and successes. At Nickleby Road, a Chelmsford-based supported housing service offering assured shorthold tenancies, everyone came together last summer to hold a 50s themed party.
“It is simply unacceptable that a lack of housing options is leaving those with learning disabilities unable to lead independent, fulfilling lives”
Residents from across the service talked to family, friends and local community members about their recent achievements and demonstrated their skills with musical instruments.
Our hope is that society will soon catch up with the fact that people with learning disabilities are just that – people, with their own opinions, views and personalities, who want choice in where they live.
It is simply unacceptable that a lack of housing options is leaving those with learning disabilities unable to lead independent, fulfilling lives. I intend for Sanctuary to play a significant role in turning that around.
Sara Keetley, operations director, Sanctuary Supported Living, Sanctuary Group
