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Choice Housing and the Simon Community NI have revealed their latest renovation project, an investment of £150,000 on a supported housing scheme on the Antrim Road, Belfast which provides accommodation for young people aged between 16 and 21 who are leaving care.
The scheme, known as '242 Antrim Road' is owned by Choice and managed by homelessness charity Simon Community. It provides 10 units of accommodation for young people transitioning out of care.
The project, which was led by Simon Community in consultation with existing Service Users, included an extension to provide a much needed communal space, the refurb included a spacious kitchen and open plan lounge which has been fully equipped with a workstation and IT equipment. This modern, open and welcoming space will allow the Service Users to engage and communicate with their peers whilst offering greater opportunity for Support Staff to work with the young people to enhance their independent living skills.
Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell said: "As an organisation Choice is committed to maintaining and ensuring the long-term sustainability of all of our housing stock. We understand that the needs of tenants can evolve and with that their living situation needs to adapt.
"Working with Simon Community and tenants at 242 Antrim Road we identified a number of areas that would not only enhance the physical space of the property but would support tenants in their bid for independent living.
"This new space now offers tenants the opportunity to engage more openly with each other, providing more space for facilitating a range of bigger group sessions and the opportunity to socialise and cook together. This all lends to better mental health and wellbeing which is vital for these young people who are looking towards independent living for the first time."
The upgrade work, which took 18 weeks to complete was delivered by contractors, VHL Construction, with funding from Choice and a grant secured through LandAid, the property industry charity, who works to improve the lives of children and young people in the UK who experience disadvantage due to their economic situation.
