Innovative specialist supported living scheme coming soon to Leith

Twenty-four luxury apartments for vulnerable adults are almost ready to welcome residents in Leith, Edinburgh.

Located in a vibrant residential area in an ideal location for accessing local shops, amenities and transport links, Heron Court is a specialist supported living development which offers a new premium standard of accommodation for vulnerable adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.

Developed in partnership with HB Villages, Inclusion Housing and Edinburgh City Council, Heron Court will have twenty-four one-bedroom apartments over four floors. The larger apartments will include a living room with a separate kitchen, a bedroom and walk-in wet-room. The smaller apartments have an open-plan kitchen and living room, and bathroom with a level access shower.

The purpose-built development will be finished to a high standard with special features including an intercom, assistive technology tailored to individual needs and requirements, on-site parking and an accessible garden.

Neil Mackrell, Head of Construction at HB Villages, said: “We have had tremendous support from the planning team at Edinburgh City Council as well as the commissioning team responsible for delivering specialist supported care. We’re delighted that everyone recognises the need for specialist supported living accommodation for some of the local community’s most vulnerable people. Many of the tenants living here will be having the keys to their own front door for the first time in their lives which will be a tremendous boost to their independence and a positive impact on their lives”

Paul Atkins, of Inclusion Housing, added: “Heron Court is set to be a fantastic example of what can be achieved through innovative partnership. We are very proud to be part of this scheme in Leith and the best bit is yet to come; welcoming the residents into their new home.”

Judith Proctor, chief officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “Working with HBV and Lifeways, we have been able to identify a need for homes for adults with learning disabilities. We have procured a developer to deliver these homes - co-produced with residents to feature the access requirements and technology they need - and this has all been without the need for public funding.”

Embracing a person-centred support approach, the team at Heron Court are ready to welcome and support individuals with a range of disabilities and help them to achieve personal goals and live independently while receiving the level of support they need.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a new service and we’re currently recruiting for support workers. We are keen to build a team of people who share our passion and want to make a real difference in people’s lives. The team will help adults with a range of disabilities to develop their life skills and enjoy being at the heart of the community and we encourage people from the local area to get in touch if they are interested in this type of role.

Janine Forshaw, of Lifeways, said, “We are proud to be part of this brand new development, close to the city centre of Edinburgh, providing 24 self-contained supported living apartments to individuals who are local to the city. We will work to ensure their needs, goals, dreams and aspirations are central to the support they receive from us. We can’t wait to welcome them into their new home.”

If you or a family member are in need of support or you are a professional planning a referral, why not call us on 0333 321 4881 or email [email protected]

If you would like to be part of the Lifeways team visit our careers page.