Rugby MP Mark Pawsey visited New Directions (Rugby) Ltd. to get a ‘close up’ view of pioneering new supported living homes at “Gateway Court”.
New Directions is a leading local charity providing an innovative range of support services for people with learning disabilities and their families in Rugby and the surrounding areas. Mark was shown around by the tenants who lives have been transformed by having their own home for the first time and more control and independence.
The bespoke accommodation offers spacious, high quality flats and houses and the scheme supports up to 21 individuals either sharing with one other person or living in their own home. The scheme also offers communal space and support and opportunities for tenants to become more involved in their local community, take part in training, activities, work experience and making new friends.
Mark has been instructive in working with New Directions to secure a visit from Norman Lamb Minister of State for Care and Support to visit this pioneering new initiative, who will be visiting the site himself during the year.
After the visit Mark said: “New Directions is a fantastic charity which carries out important work here in Rugby supporting adults with learning difficulties. I fully support the new Gateway Court development and I know that it will prove to be an invaluable, and positive, asset for those living at the site. I have seen for myself how New Directions can transform lives for the better and this development will further enable them to continue with their good work within our local communities.”
Doreen Woodward, CEO said “Our customers with learning disabilities are delighted that Mark Pawsey MP has taken the time to come and meet them and hear about their life stories and aspirations for a more independent future. New Directions is committed to enabling our customers to have access to new opportunities to make positive changes in their lives.”