PROVIDING HOMES, BUILDING RESILIENCE

People who have been struggling to cope are living more independently, in a warm, friendly and supportive environment, thanks to projects backed by CAF Bank.

Norton Housing & Support, a social housing provider based in Leicester, has received a total of £900,000 over three loans, to purchase and refurbish properties for people who have mental health support needs or a learning disability.

The charity helps clients regain daily living skills, with access to one-to-one support if needed.

Thanks to the funds, the provider has been able to extend its reach and support more vulnerable adults by developing high-quality, one-bedroom flats.

The flats are used as move-on accommodation where residents are supported to develop independent living skills, gain confidence and build a social support network to help them achieve their aspirations.

INDEPENDENCE WITH SUPPORT

Sue Cowling, Chief Executive of Norton Housing & Support, explained that the idea to branch out into independent flats started out as a pilot project, following requests from residents in the provider’s existing eight living schemes across the city of Leicester.

Sue said: “The pilot turned out to be tremendously successful and enabled people who had developed the necessary daily-living skills, to take a big step forward and move to their own tenancy, but with support available should it be needed. With increasing demand, we looked to replicate the scheme elsewhere.”

Following the success of the pilot project, the charity was able to purchase and refurbish two further buildings to provide a total of 10 one-person flats, with the bank loan covering around 70 per cent of the purchase and refurbishment costs.

ASSETS STRENGTHEN BALANCE SHEET

Through another CAF Bank loan, Norton Housing & Support purchased and refurbished a property to provide group living accommodation, including en-suite facilities, for seven people. The scheme opened just before Christmas 2017.

In addition, owning the assets rather than renting them, has helped the charity to strengthen its balance sheet, building future resilience.

Joe Hehir, Client Relations Manager at CAF Bank said, “The innovation and commitment shown by Norton Housing & Support illustrates their desire to support and make a real difference to the lives of their community. We are delighted to have been able to support them on their journey.”

FINANCING YOUR FUTURE PLANS

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