An innovative housing scheme for adults with learning disabilities and those diagnosed with an autistic spectrum condition has opened in Liskeard.

Hendra Parc, an under-occupied former Cornwall Housing homeless hostel, has been converted into specialist homes for vulnerable adults.

The scheme includes 14 self-contained homes, two of which are wheelchair accessible, and a shared house that will be used for short breaks or for people trying independent living for the first time.

People living at Hendra Parc will have secure tenancies and 24-hour care and support to enable them to live independently in their own homes in the community.

Trevor Doughty, Cornwall Council’s corporate director for education, health and social care, and Liskeard Mayor Jane Pascoe officially opened the transformed building along with some of the new tenants who will be living there. 

Managers say the redevelopment is a culmination of a partnership approach between Cornwall Council’s Education Health and Social Care Commissioning, Cornwall Housing Ltd, the local social work team and potential tenants and their families. 

Peter Jarman, Cornwall Housing’s director of landlord services, said: ’Hendra Parc is an excellent example of successful joined-up working and strong partnerships achieving beneficial results.

’These new Cornwall Housing managed homes address the need of our vulnerable customers in having somewhere safe and supportive to live whilst being able to maintain a good degree of independence at the same time.

’We are especially pleased that our new tenants have been able to have a lot of input into their new homes, including working with our customer engagement team to choose furniture for the communal areas.’

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for adult care, Councilor  Jim McKenna said: ’Our homes are important to us because they give us a place where we can feel safe, be ourselves and be part of our local community. 

’I’m very pleased that the Hendra Parc scheme will provide the right level of support to allow adults with learning disabilities or autism to enjoy living as independently as possible.’

New resident Stuart Ralphson said: ’I am looking forward to this new adventure and being able to meet my new neighbours. I have really liked being included in picking the furniture for the communal areas, it all looks really good.’