Funds To Improve Housing For People With Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities will benefit from £25 million of funding to help them live more independently in their own homes. The fund aims to improve their quality of life by giving them independence, and helping them feel more included in their local community. The successful bids of the £25 million housing and technology fund have been announced by Health Minister David Mowat. The local authority projects will focus on adapting existing housing, creating new accommodation and giving people support so they have more independence and choice. Read more on the Department of Health website.

Mencap Study Finds Shortage of Homes Is Increasing

The housing shortage for adults with learning difficulties has worsened in the last year according to research from a leading disabilities charity.  Mencap has warned increasing financial constraints have meant councils are less able to support people with a learning disability, with fewer and fewer being helped to live independently.  A freedom of information request and a survey of nearly 500 parent carers of people with a learning disability found that eight out of 10 councils recognise that there is a housing shortage for adults with a learning disability in their areas, with more than two thirds saying this has worsened in the last 12 months.  Download the report - Housing for people with a learning disability – from the Mencap website.