New homes changing lives and boosting independence
A new development of homes for people with physical and learning disabilities is already making a positive difference to families in Sunderland, offering supported housing that enables tenants to live more independently while receiving the care they need.
St Cuthbert's Close in Ryhope was built on the site of the former St Cuthbert's Church, made up of six accessible supported bungalows adapted to suit residents' needs. Tenants began moving into the new homes in February this year.
One of the first tenants is Ann-Marie McManus, 55, who is originally from Redhouse. Ann previously lived both in a care home and with her parents before moving into a shared bungalow at St Cuthbert's Close.
Her family say she "loves" living in her new home, which allows her to live independently, but with the support she needs.
Ann has a learning disability and a long term health condition, requiring support with everyday activities from getting dressed to preparing food and cleaning.
Her brother, Thomas, says living with family wasn't ideal for Ann as their parents struggled to provide the one to one care she needs, but that she has already settled into her home at St Cuthbert's Close. He explained: "Her new home is so comfortable. When we visit, we feel like we're visiting Ann at home, she always received great care in a care home but St Cuthbert's Close really feels like its hers. I think she is going to benefit from the lovely surroundings and community."
Before moving in, tenants were able to choose details like furniture and paint colours, to tailor it to their tastes as well as their needs.
Thomas said: "Ann wants to be, and tries to be, independent - but she does still need support, and I think this new home is helping her to feel like she can live independently while still having the one-to-one care she needs on hand. She loves having her own space too, like her own bedroom and shower."
Ann Marie McManus has described her new home as "beautiful" and "mine," and tells her brother "I love it here."
Each property includes adapted kitchens and bathrooms, wide corridors and level access throughout, alongside built‑in 5G infrastructure to support assistive technology tailored to individual needs.
Delivered by North East‑based contractor T Manners and Sons, the development was supported by £660,000 of funding from Homes England and forms part of the council's wider programme to provide more specialist, affordable supported homes across the city.
Sunderland City Council designed the bungalows in collaboration with Adult Social Care and Adult Social Care Commissioning teams from Sunderland Care and Support, as well as families to address the unique needs of the people who would be living in them.
Sunderland's Director of Adult Services and Chief Operating Officer of Sunderland Care and Support, Graham King, said: "St Cuthbert's Close is a strong example of how our strategic approach to adult social care translates into real outcomes for residents. These are well-designed homes that support independence while ensuring people have the care they need, in an environment that feels personal, secure and welcoming."
Over the last five years, Sunderland City Council has successfully delivered nine supported accommodation schemes across the city, creating 72 homes for residents of Sunderland who have an assessed accommodation care and support requirement.
