Council Investing in Independence

As part of South Tyneside Council's commitment to helping adults live independently, it was announced that new accommodation schemes would be built across the borough. 

Cllr Ed Malcolm, Lead Member for Resources and Innovation made the announcement as part of his budget speech to full council.

The council is looking to develop three new accommodation schemes across the borough in the 20/21 financial year. Two independent supported living schemes and one extra care scheme. The supported living schemes will be targeted to individuals with complex learning disabilities.

Cllr Ed Malcolm, Lead Member for Resources and Innovation said: "These schemes will provide much needed accommodation provision for those in the borough who are most in need of additional support. Allowing them to live independently in their local communities with support."

In South Tyneside social workers work with individuals to focus on their own strengths and resources within the community to help them live better lives. By working more intensively with people and focusing on what is important to them, advice and support can be offered to maximise independence, focusing on their strengths and networks, and connecting them to their communities.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for independence and Wellbeing at South Tyneside Council welcomed the news: "This announcement builds on the work we have been doing to increase independence across the borough. It is important that we support people to live independently. This isn't just about supporting our older residents but about providing much needed specialist accommodation for younger aged adults."

The demographic of social care support is also changing. In the 2019 ADASS budget survey - 39 per cent of Directors of Adult Social Services stated the biggest pressure to adult social care budgets was from working age adults - more than double than in the previous year.

Now that investment has been confirmed the council will work up plans with a view to (subject to planning permission) starting on site later in the financial year.