Three new sites to help people with learning difficulties live independently will be created by a West Cumbrian charity.
West House will create the sites in Broughton Moor, Egremont and Maryport.
It said: “They will provide users high-quality, bespoke accommodation, privacy, independence, and most importantly, their own space with a front door to make into their own home.
” These developments are part of West House’s wider strategy of supplying more independent living options for people within their care. They are also in line with the UN’s push for more meaningful investments into the socioeconomic building blocks to reduce the barriers faced by people with disabilities.”
West House prides itself on helping those with learning difficulties to live the life they want, with the support they choose, it added.
This new style of independent living will provide this choice to residents, it said, but will require extra round the clock care support.
Midtown Barn in Broughton Moor will require 900 extra weekly hours of care support and Mithian in Egremont 185 extra weekly hours.
With the care sector across the UK already in an employment crisis, West House needs recruited extra support workers to ensure that all residents will receive the round the clock care they require.
The care provider has increased the basic wage of all their support workers by nearly 30p per hour, so now all employees will be paid £9.20 per hour, going up to £9.50 for those with additional qualifications in health and social care.
James Cox, chief executive officer, said: “We are incredibly excited about the development of our three new independent living sites and extremely proud that with these, we will be able to empower the people we care for with choice. The choice of where to live and how to live, which we believe is key in reducing barriers for people with disabilities and providing them with a fulfilling life.
“To provide this option of independent living, we need more care staff. In what is already a tough macro-environment for employment within our sector, we have taken proactive measures to ensure we attract new talent.”
