SeeAbility Exeter Support Service and Shared Ownership Housing Scheme - One Year On

When the first occupant moved into Willow Way in Exeter on 23rd March 2006, they were taking up a unique opportunity that enabled people with a visual impairment and a learning disability for the first time to part own and part rent their property - thanks to a pioneering shared ownership scheme and support service developed by SeeAbility in conjunction with Signpost Housing Association and Devon County Council.

In the twelve months that have followed, SeeAbility has provided an enabling support service to assist seven occupants in meeting their housing-related, social and personal care needs and have seen individuals flourish as they have become established within their own homes.

A Home Of My Own
As people settled in they personalised and made their self-contained properties home.  As one person described shortly after moving in:  "It's very nice and very cool! I like it." Many, having moved away from the family home for the first time into their own home, have gained a greater sense of self-assertion. With encouragement and assistance from SeeAbility support staff individuals have developed skills and confidence in managing daily living tasks, making choices about everyday matters and planning how they spend their time. Provided in line with individual needs and wishes, the support service has been flexible and responsive, adjusting to changing requirements and enhancing individual choice and control.

A Sense of Community
Alongside each person enjoying the freedom to take greater control over their lives, people have developed a sense of community, making use of the communal lounge, conservatory and garden at Willow Way and interacting with immediate neighbours. A generous donation from The Band of The Royal Marines based at Lympstone was to put to good use in furnishing the conservatory and providing a large barbeque that was kindly installed with a paved patio area by relatives and volunteers. A party was held to celebrate with family, friends and neighbours.
Participation and involvement within the local community has also expanded. Some people attend local colleges and are currently being supported to explore how they will spend their time when they finish full-time education. Others are already accessing various community resources and engaged in meaningful activities and some are being supported to seek paid employment.

It's been an exciting first 12 months for people living and working at Willow Way. A new service has become established and the occupants of Willow Way have started realising the benefits of living in their own home with specially tailored support. With their home secure and roots put down in the local community, they are now looking forward to achieving more personal outcomes in the months/years ahead.

To find out more about Exeter Support Service, please click here.

To download a brochure about Exeter Support Service, please click here.