Sunderland City Council and three partners have opened an £800,000 housing development to support adults with learning disabilities.

The council funded the scheme with Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust, the Homes and Communities Agency and housing provider the Home Group. Stonham, part of the Home Group, oversaw the design and build of the two storey, nine apartment scheme 202 Leechmere Road where vulnerable adults will be able to live independently and learn work skills.

Speaking at the official opening yesterday, councillor Mel Speding, Sunderland City Council portfolio holder for Healthy City, said: “202 Leechmere Road has been designed and finished to a high specification, and it will provide warm, comfortable and safe surroundings where I am sure its residents will be able to thrive.”

Residents in the apartments will live independently, although there are staff on hand 24 hours a day to provide care as it is needed.

Residents will live independently in their own apartments, but with a team of staff on hand 24 hours a day to provide as much or as little care and support is needed.

Scott Green, one of the first residents at 202 Leechmere Road, said: “Moving here was very difficult for me. I enjoyed my last home and I wasn’t sure about leaving, but when I saw 202 Leechmere Road I couldn’t wait to move. I moved in at the same time as my friends Wayne and Chris, and now I can get better living skills and my own independence.”

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