Orbit, one of the UK’s foremost not-for-profit housing groups, has welcomed the Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP to talk about the importance of the provision of supported living in Oxfordshire and take a tour of its Garden House scheme, which is run in partnership with Oxfordshire Mind.
Supported housing schemes, such as Garden House in Cowley, are specifically designed to support those who have a learning disability, physical disability or mental health need and help enable them to live as independently as possible within their communities, alongside support or supervision tailored to their needs.
During the tour, Anneliese Dodds MP, met with customers living at the scheme to hear about their experiences, as well as members of Orbit’s Supported Living team to better understand customers’ needs and how the right housing provision can support them in the short and long-term.
Anneliese Dodds MP, the Labour (Co-op) MP for Oxford East, commented: “It was great to visit Garden House and learn more about how Orbit supports residents there and in its other supported housing schemes. Supported housing is important for a wide range of people, including disabled people, people with mental health needs, those who have escaped domestic violence and who are rebuilding their lives after homelessness. I was particularly pleased to be able to speak with both staff and residents at Garden House, and I want to thank the former for all they do for our community."
Joe Brownless, Chief Customer Officer at Orbit, commented: “Everyone should have the opportunity to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible, in a home that meets their needs, which is why we were delighted to welcome Anneliese Dodds MP to Garden House, and highlight the important role supported living provisions play to both those who live in them, and the wider community as a whole.”
Jess Willsher, CEO of Oxfordshire Mind, added: “Oxfordshire Mind is proud to partner with Orbit at Garden House, where we provide essential support to residents managing the complexities of mental health needs. Supported housing, like this scheme, not only offers a safe and welcoming environment but also fosters a community where individuals can rebuild and sustain their independence with dignity and respect. We’re grateful to Anneliese Dodds MP for her visit and for recognising the significance of such services.”
Recent research from the NHF has shown that the UK needs at least 167,000 more supported homes by 2040, without which, some of the most vulnerable people in our society will be at risk of homelessness and further pressure will be put on the NHS and social care services.
Orbit provides 700 Supported Housing homes across the UK for people who benefit from learning or improving their skills to live as independently as possible. This includes people in need of a domestic violence refuge, those that have been homeless and homes for people with learning and physical disabilities. Orbit assists with all tenancy and property-related matters, and work with organisations such as Mind, Mencap, Action for Children, The Salvation Army and Humankind to help customers with health needs, daily living skills, community access, everyday budgeting, and home management, with improved monitoring to ensure they deliver services that meet the standards customers expect.
Oxfordshire Mind has been a leading mental health charity for over 50 years, offering a range of support services across Oxfordshire, including counselling, wellbeing courses, and supported housing. With a commitment to helping people navigate mental health challenges, Oxfordshire Mind provides safe, supported housing schemes like Garden House, which offer residents a stable environment to live independently while receiving the tailored assistance they need. By addressing mental health needs and promoting recovery, Oxfordshire Mind plays an essential role in fostering mental wellbeing and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives.