As a long-time provider of Supported Housing, Torus is proud to support the National Housing Federation’s Starts at Home Day (Friday 30 August 2024) and continue to promote the difference these vital schemes have on their residents.

This year, the National Housing Federation is calling for the government to commit to at least 167,000 more supported homes by 2040 to offer more people safe and secure, short and long-term accommodation for people with vulnerabilities.

Torus’s 4,000 supported housing options offer hope to people fleeing domestic abuse and escaping the cycle of homelessness and give people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities a home and the tools to live independently. For those later in life, sheltered housing offers secure, comfortable apartments with the peace of mind of support.

Paula Underwood, Torus Group Head of Support Network, said:

“Whether it’s 24-hour specialist support for individuals with learning disabilities or autism at Heathside, flexible support for people aged 55+ at one of our four extra care schemes, refuge for people fleeing domestic abuse or 30+ schemes for people aged 55 and over, all of Torus’s 4,000+ supported housing properties provide a safe place for people to call home.

“Over the next year, we are excited to be adding to our supported housing offering with the addition of seven apartments for young people leaving care in St Helens and the opening of Spinnaker House – an extra care scheme in Birkenhead with 102 affordable apartments.”

Michael Claffey, Staying Home Team Leader at Torus, said:

“Being able to help people live independently in their own homes for longer is something our Staying Home team at Torus is really proud of. We get to see first hand the difference supporting tenants to remain safe and happy at home, can make to the individual.”

Jenny, one of Torus’s extra care residents, can’t imagine living anywhere else:

“I have lived at this scheme since it opened just over 3 years ago with my husband Tom. It’s a great place to live – it has really transformed our lives. We have access to all the great facilities such as the Bistro and hairdressing salon. My husband needs care and receives this from our amazing on-site care team who are on scheme around the clock. We have made many new friends since moving here and that’s because of the activities here. I am now a volunteer here and run our weekly bowling and dominoes sessions. I love it, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Ann, who also lives in a Torus Extra Care scheme, has similar thoughts to Jenny:

“I have no regrets about moving into an extra care scheme. I have made lots of friends and I feel safe living here. There is always someone to talk to and my family are more at ease knowing there is always staff on site if I need them”

To learn more about supported housing at Torus, click here.

Find out more: www.startsathome.org.uk.