Ardcora is hailed as a model of excellence

Ardcora is hailed as a model of excellence

2 July 2014

SUPPORTED living accommodation provided in Downpatrick for people with learning disabilities has been praised by two Stormont ministers.

Health minister Edwin Poots and his Department for Social Development (DSD) colleague Nelson McCausland were both in the town last week to celebrate the first anniversary of the Ardcora supported living service.

The service supports 24 people with a learning disability to live in the community with the help of others and has been hailed by Mr. Poots as an example of good practice. He also believes the facilities available in Downpatrick and in his own Lagan Valley constituency, are models of excellence which could be replicated in other areas.

The Ardcora service, developed as a result of a partnership involving the DSD, South Eastern Trust, Mainstay DRP, Housing Executive, Triangle Housing Association, carers and tenants themselves, has continued to grow.

Mr. Poots said he’s pleased many more people with learning disabilities are living in local communities. He said the service provided in Downpatrick in a range of facilities is something he not only very much welcomes, but something that should be embraced by others to create a better quality of life for those who have a learning disability.

“I would like to see this particular service extended across the Province. The Down area has been to the forefront of providing good care for people with a learning disability, as has my own constituency in Lisburn,” he continued.

“The old Down Lisburn Trust was very effective in this respect and should be congratulated for its work. I know that many other towns will look on enviously at the kind of support provided for the learning disabled community in places like Downpatrick.”

Mr. Poots said making a difference to the lives of all in society, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, remains one of his priorities.

“I am very interested to see at first hand the range of different facilities which have been established to offer a new home and a new life to former patients of learning disability hospitals,” he said.

Mr. Poots said the two ministers are impressed by the success of the Ardcora service, describing it as an “excellent example” of how those with a learning disability are able to fully integrate into the local community and participate in local life.

Mr. McCausland said as the minister responsible for the Supporting People Programme, he understands the importance of ensuring that all vulnerable citizens are given the support to live independently in the community.

“The Ardcora service really has changed lives. The range of care and housing support available has helped some of the most vulnerable in our society to live as independently as possible, enhancing their self esteem and quality of life. That is incredibly important, first and foremost to those who live here, but to parents, carers, volunteers and the local community,” he said.

“This is an excellent facility and I very much welcome the fact that we are able to deliver a joined up service for people with a learning disability and their carers in the Downpatrick area.”

Mr. Brendan Whittle, the South Eastern Trust’s Director of Adult Services, said the development of supported living services in the Downpatrick area has moved away from the previous larger residential provision, to providing a range of ordinary domestic homes which promotes independence in daily living.

He added: “This new service will improve the lives of people significantly by enabling them to live a more independent life.”

Mainstay DRP chief executive, Helen Taylor, said the local organisation is delighted that after many years of planning with all the various partners, the service is now a reality, providing much-needed homes for local people.