New £4million dementia housing scheme begins construction

Construction work has begun on a new £4.2million housing scheme in Greenisland for those living with dementia.

Pictured at the site of a new housing scheme in Greenisland are Health Minister Simon Hamilton MLA, Timothy Quinn, Chair of OakleeTrinity, Bob McCann, Chair of NH&SCT and DSD Minister Mervyn Storey MLA

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA and Health Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA, together cut the first sod on the new scheme today.

The site, on the Shore Road in Greenisland, is being developed by OakleeTrinity Housing Association, in conjunction with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Speaking at the event Minister Storey said: “As the Minister responsible for both housing and the Supporting People Programme, I am pleased to be aiding the Department of Health in moving forward with their strategy of reducing reliance on residential care, in favour of supported living.

“Here, first and foremost, tenants will have their own individual, modern and fit for purpose accommodation that they can call home.

“I am committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens are given exactly the same opportunities as everyone else to live independent lives. This new scheme will do all that and more.

“OakleeTrinity, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and Northern Health and Social Care Trust are to be commended for the development of this scheme.”

The new accommodation will provide residents with their own self contained accommodation, but with Health Trust staff always on hand to provide support. Thirty two new homes are being provided in total, and will be built on the site of the former Greenisland House Residential Home.

Also speaking at the event was Health Minister Simon Hamilton. The Minister said: “Enabling people to live well with dementia is one of the greatest challenges that we face in health and social care at present and into the future. It is estimated that there are currently 20,000 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland and this number is expected to rise over the next thirty years.

“Supported housing models play an important role in allowing people with dementia to retain their independence and remain part of their communities, and are a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working between the two Departments, and between Housing Associations and HSC Trusts.”

Timothy Quin, Chairman of OakleeTrinity Housing Association said: “OakleeTrinity is delighted to be working in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Department for Social Development and the Housing Executive’s Supporting People Team in providing supported living for older people and also for those experiencing dementia and/or mental health issues.

“The supported housing options will have an emphasis on enabling individual tenants to live independently in their own homes.”

Construction work by MJ McBride Contractors, Draperstown is expected to complete by autumn 2016.

Notes to editors: 

1. The total scheme will cost in the region of £4.2million, with the Department for Social Development funding £2.6million in grant through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and OakleeTrinity Housing Association contributing £1.2million through private borrowing
2. The scheme will also contain office and staff/guest sleep over provision and a range of communal facilities where occupants can gather at their own discretion for social interaction and group activities

   The scheme mix comprises:
   7 x 1 person, 1 bedroom homes
   20 x 1 person, 1 bedroom wheelchair adapted homes
   3 x 2 person, 1 bedroom wheelchair adapted homes
   2 x 2 person, 2 bedroom wheelchair adapted homes

3. Photos can be viewed later on the DSD Flickr page
4. Media enquiries to DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9454 or e mail press.office@dsdni.gov.uk out of office hours please contact the Deputy Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned

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