A new purpose-built supported living development that will enable eight people to live more independently has been officially opened in Knowsley.
Thursby Walk in Kirkby was opened by Councillor Edna Finneran, Mayor of Knowsley, accompanied by Mayoress Rebecca Ming, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by people living at the scheme, family and friends, colleagues and representatives from the organisations involved.
Thursby Walk provides modern, high-quality homes for people who require additional support. Alternative Futures Group will provide personalised support, with a fully trained team available on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Each person has the privacy, security and independence of their own home, together with support shaped around their individual choices, circumstances and ambitions.
People living at Thursby Walk will be supported to develop their independence, make informed choices and participate in their local community in ways that are meaningful to them.
Councillor Edna Finneran, Mayor of Knowsley, said:
“We are delighted to officially open Thursby Walk, which will play an important role in the local community.
“This development will enable people to live positive, fulfilling and independent lives, supported by an award-winning team. I would like to thank everyone who has worked together to make Thursby Walk a reality.”
The scheme has been delivered in response to an identified local need for high-quality, purpose-built homes for people who would benefit from additional support.
It supports Knowsley Council’s commitment to developing new housing options that give people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs greater choice and control over where and how they live.
Councillor Del Arnall, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said:
“We know that Thursby Walk will support people to live fulfilling and more independent lives while remaining at the heart of their local community. We are grateful to everyone involved in delivering this much-needed, purpose-built accommodation in Knowsley.”
The opening of Thursby Walk has also created a number of new jobs in the local area.
Alternative Futures Group colleagues are providing personalised support shaped around each person’s preferences, circumstances and aspirations. This includes supporting people to develop new skills, make their own choices and play an active part in the wider community.
Alia Mumtaz, Head of Operations for Learning Disability at Alternative Futures Group, said:
“Thursby Walk has been created around the people who will make it their home. Our colleagues have taken the time to understand each person’s preferences, communication needs and ambitions so that the support we provide is truly individual to them.
“We want everyone living here to feel listened to, respected and in control of their own lives. Our role is to support each person to make their own choices, build their independence and become part of the local community in ways that are meaningful to them.”
Ian Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Futures Group, said:
“We are incredibly proud to officially launch this fantastic new development. Thursby Walk provides high-quality homes where people can live independently, make their own choices and feel part of the local community.
“Our dedicated team will be available around the clock, providing personalised support that reflects each person’s individual preferences and ambitions.
“Thursby Walk demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together around a shared commitment to supporting people to live their best lives. We are pleased that everyone living in Thursby Walk is proud to make it their home.
“We’d like to thank the Adult Social Care team at Knowsley Council, local politicians and the wider community for their support in helping us to deliver this bespoke accommodation.”
Kirsty Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Futures Group, said:
“We are delighted to join our partners at Knowsley Council in welcoming people to their new homes at Thursby Walk.
“Our team will work alongside each person, providing the right support in the right way to enable them to live as independently as possible, pursue the things that matter to them and enjoy fulfilling lives.”