Jobs created from new supported housing service opening in Liverpool

Image of Kelly Smith
A new £3m supported housing facility for people with eligible care and support needs is opening in Liverpool, creating nearly 40 jobs.

Shackleton View and Gardens in Walton consists of 22 one-bedroom apartments, offering supported living for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to enable them to live independently.

The development is being delivered by social housing provider Riverside in partnership with Liverpool City Council.

It benefits from £1.3m grant funding from Homes England, as the local authority identified the need for more independent settings for people who require additional support.

The 22 apartments will be split across two purpose-built blocks with each service, learning disabilities and mental health, having 11 units respectively.

Built on Riverside-owned land, planning permission was granted in November 2015 and work commenced in June last year. The service will be registered with the Care Quality Commission and it is expected to open this autumn.

The complex on Rice Lane is named in honour of Riverside’s former Chief Executive Deborah Shackleton CBE who joined the organisation in 1993, and worked in different roles before leading the Group in 2000 until she retired in 2011.

Kelly Smith, Riverside’s Registered Care Manager for Shackleton View and Gardens, says: “We are excited to launch this new housing provision which builds on the success of similar services we have across the country.

“This new service will support people with learning disabilities and mental health needs to live independently, as well as provide them with a safe and supportive environment.”

Riverside applies specific approaches that have been proven to create a comfortable setting for residents and build their confidence. These are Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and Psychologically Informed Environments (PIES). PBS works with the person to support behavioural changes and improve their quality of life. Whereas PIES is focused on creating an environment which builds their independence as well as enabling people to feel safe and comfortable in their new home. Both techniques work alongside each other to achieve the best outcome for the person.

Providing accommodation such as Shackleton View is a key priority for the council so that people are supported to live as independently as possible in appropriate housing.

Cllr Frazer Lake, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for adult and children’s social care said: “Shackleton View and Gardens is a very welcome addition to the housing offer in Liverpool.

“Making sure that people can live independently builds their confidence and means that they stay part of their community, whilst the support means that they stay safe. This is a priority for the council and this project shows what we can achieve when we work in partnership.”

The service has created 38 jobs and now a recruitment drive is taking place to fill vacancies. Jobs available include housing manager, support assistant and service manager roles. Look out for the job vacancies posted here in the coming weeks.

“I’m very proud to be part of something that will not only make a positive difference to the lives of residents living at the service, but will also bring employment opportunities to the city for people to embark on a rewarding career path,” explains Kelly.