“Greenbank definitely feels like home. Also, it gives me the inspiration to build my future.”
Eusinquia, who lives at Greenbank - our supported housing scheme for homeless young people in Trafford - sums up what moving there has meant to her.
She’s sharing her experiences as part of Starts at Home Day, a national campaign celebrating the role supported housing plays in helping people to live healthy and independent lives.
At Irwell Valley Homes, supported housing has been a fundamental part of our services for nearly 50 years. Last year our schemes supported 319 people with additional needs – from autism and dementia to those with long-term mental health conditions, as well as those who are homeless.
From the four supported housing schemes we run today across Greater Manchester, to the many more where we work with third sector and local authority partners, we are committed to delivering homes for some of the most vulnerable in our society which enable and empower them to live well.
Not only does supported housing have a huge positive impact on residents’ lives, it is also critical to reducing homelessness and taking pressure off the social care, health and criminal justice systems.
“I feel very comfortable here, and totally safe”
We asked some of our other Greenbank residents what the best thing about living there is….
“The best thing about Greenbank is that even though I’ve not been here very long, it definitely feels like home. Also, it gives me the inspiration to build for my future,” Eusinquia.
“The best thing about Greenbank is it’s a safe environment and the staff are very supportive. I’ve now got my own space and the staff are there to help, making sure you’re okay,” Devonte.
The best thing about Greenbank is it got me out of a difficult living situation. It means I can now move on with my life, be independent and take better care of myself.
Working together to achieve more
We’re proud to work with a number of third sector and local authority partners across Greater Manchester, providing safe, comfortable and secure homes which – in combination with the support services delivered there – have the power to transform lives.
Watch our video below to hear Maura Jackson, Chief Executive of BACKUP North West - a homelessness service for young people in Bolton - about the difference the partnership with Irwell Valley Homes has made over the last 30 years.
Meanwhile, Gill Smallwood, Chief Executive of Fortalice Women’s Refuge who we have worked with for more than four decades, said: "The work we’ve done together has really pulled the organisation forward, particularly the delivery of Lewis House, our purpose-built refuge offering temporary accommodation for women escaping domestic abuse.
“It’s given the people of Bolton a safe place. Partnerships like that really stand out.”
Maura Jackson, Chief Executive, BACKUP North West
Important plans in the pipeline
As we reflect on half a century of Irwell Valley Homes and celebrate all we’ve achieved so far, we’re not standing still with our supported housing ambitions.
In Jurby Avenue in Blackley, Manchester, we have plans for a new specialist scheme of 16 apartments for people living with dementia, while in Willow Street, Bury, we are looking to develop 13 new homes for adults with additional needs – extending and complementing the service already provided by Queensberry Place next door.
We hope to have more information to share about both of these proposed developments soon, so watch this space!