New learning disabilities service opens in Omagh

Adults with learning disabilities in Omagh are being supported to live full lives in a new housing scheme officially opened by the Northern Ireland’s Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey.

The Omagh Supported Living Service, formerly known as Ashley House, provides high quality accommodation and support services to 16 tenants with learning disabilities.

OakleeTrinity and Mencap have worked in partnership with the Housing Executive and the Western Health and Social Care Trust to deliver this new supported living model which receives annual support of £174,000 from the Department’s Supporting People Programme.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister Storey said: “Supporting People aims to provide vulnerable people with housing support services that are designed to promote independent living.

“The Omagh Supported Living Service is an excellent example of how a number of partner organisations have come together to ensure that some of the most vulnerable in our society live full and fulfilled lives throughout their lifetime. I commend all those involved. This is undoubtedly an impressive facility, but more importantly, I know the tenants here are very happy with their new homes and have reported an improvement in their lifestyle.

“It was a pleasure to officially open the new Service and I wish everyone well for the future.”

Speaking at the official opening, Bill Reilly, Board member OakleeTrinity said: “OakleeTrinity have a strong and successful relationship with Mencap for many years and it is great to see another existing development continuing this positive partnership.

“These apartments will offer quality and modern accommodation with many aspects of the tenants’ lives being enhanced through this new group of properties. I offer my best wishes to the new tenants and hope they have many happy days at the scheme.”

People using the new service come from a range of settings, some have previously lived at home with their parents whereas others have been living in residential care for many years.

Barry McMenamin, Mencap in Northern Ireland’s Head of Personal Support and Housing said: “We are delighted that the Minister launched our new supported living service today. The significant investment to provide this modernised service and accommodation will afford the people we support greater choice, inclusion and active participation in their local community.

“Mencap has been supporting and working with people with a learning disability in Omagh, and the south west for over 25 years. This service will further increase our capacity to support more people with a learning disability to live independently in the community.”