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Lifeways leads the way for supported living in Leicester Print E-mail

Leicester%20opening11th March 2009
A purpose-built home in Leicester for people with complex mental health needs has opened its doors - thanks to a new partnership between Leicester City Council, Leicester City’s Primary Care Trust and one of the UK's leading care providers, Lifeways Community Care.

The new venture aims to help local people with mental health needs integrate within the community and live more independent lives. The former residential home, previously named Frederick Thorpe House on Heathcott Road, Saffron Lane Estate, Leicester, has been transformed into two separate homes – Orchard House for people with complex mental health issues and Thorpe House for homeless people.

Lifeways Community Care, which delivers specialist services throughout the country, is managing a full range of support inside one of the homes - Orchard House - which helps people with enduring mental health needs. Lifeways were not only selected by Leicester City’s Primary Care Trust for their specialist support services in mental health problems, but also for their care of people with learning disabilities. Both of the houses are owned and managed by Leicester City Council.

The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Manjula Sood, opened Orchard House in a special launch ceremony on the 19th February, which was attended by civic leaders and residents of both homes.

Councillor Michael Cooke, cabinet lead for adults and older people said: “I am really pleased about the collaboration between our Adults and Housing Department, Leicester City’s Primary Care Trust and Lifeways Community Care. Our aim is to support these individuals and by offering them a suitable base to do that makes all the difference.”

The scheme is a first collaboration between Leicester City Council’s Adults and Housing Department, Leicester City’s Primary Care Trust, and Lifeways Community Care in providing supported living for mental health patients.

In Leicester, Lifeways has worked closely with the local authority to provide a full range of appropriate services to support 13 people at Orchard House.

Lifeways Area Manager Helen Ebery said: “At Orchard House, we provide our residents with medication support, budgeting advice and local community assistance. I think the relaunch of this building will offer many opportunities to our residents because living in a secure and happy environment does make a difference when encouraging them to live more independently.”

Orchard House resident Ryan Micklewright, 22, has received support from Lifeways for the past 7 months. Ryan said: “Because of the care I have received from Lifeways, I am now more able to support myself. My confidence and ability to do regular day-to-day tasks like cooking and cleaning has definitely grown.”

Aileene Morris, manager of Thorpe House and Orchard House added: “Having this building allows us to support people as they take their first steps towards a new, independent life. It’s a collaboration of services with a joint goal to secure real futures.”