Young adults including care leavers who find themselves in housing need in Wokingham borough can look forward to new state-of-the-art, modern accommodation next year as work on a new supported housing scheme on Reading Road starts to take shape.
The new accommodation, which is currently planned for opening in spring 2018, will provide seven en-suite bedrooms and two self-contained one-person bed sit flats for young people who require additional support to help them live independently. The building will also boast a modern communal living room and kitchen.
The scheme will have 24 hour support, funded by Wokingham Borough Council, as well as a housing pathway plan for every resident to develop the skills for long-term independent living. The scheme will link closely with employment and skills programmes.
The accommodation has been made possible thanks to a £304,000 grant towards the build costs from the Homes and Communities agency through Department of Health funding “Platform for Life”. Wokingham Housing (a council owned business) is developing the scheme.
Councillor Julian McGhee-Sumner, executive member for housing, said: “It’s so important that we continue to support vulnerable young people across the Wokingham Borough, including our care leavers. This new supported-accommodation is a brilliant addition to our community and the superb facilities and support on offer will undoubtedly provide our young people with the stepping stone they need to live a fulfilling and independent life and into their own homes.”
The new facility was commissioned following the decision to decommission Seaford Court as a housing facility for young people. It was felt that Seaford Court was no longer able to provide the facilities required to effectively support young people, while the high rents were also proving a potential barrier towards young people moving on, and going into work. As Wokingham Borough Council do not own Seaford Court, it was not possible to refurbish the property. Options for the future use of the Seaford Court are being explored.
