Darlington MP, Jenny Chapman, visits North Star Housing Group’s Worsley Park to highlight the great benefits of supported housing.

Over 400,000 people live in supported accommodation across the UK, including sheltered accommodation, refuges for women fleeing domestic violence, shelters and supported homes for those at risk of homelessness, and supported housing for vulnerable young people and adults with disabilities.

North Star’s Worsley Park is a sheltered housing scheme for over 60s in Darlington, which provides a safe and secure home with support to enable its residents to live independently.

Paul Common, Executive Director of Customers at North Star, said: “We are currently campaigning, along with the National Housing Federation, to secure a Government commitment that everyone can have a home that meets their unique needs. So, welcoming Jenny to Worsley Park to see first hand the impact that supported housing can have on people’s lives is fantastic backing for us.

“Supported housing is vital to providing independence, security and dignity for millions of people across the country. It transforms lives and makes a critical contribution to relieving pressure from our strained health and social services. We want to provide homes that support the most vulnerable people in our society now and in the future.”

Jenny Chapman MP said: “Visiting Worsley Park was a pleasure. It is great to see the elderly in our community receiving the care they deserve, whilst retaining the independence that I feel is important toward living a fruitful and positive lifestyle in retirement.

It offers peace of mind for residents and their families. The work housing providers such as North Star provide is vital. I support efforts by all concerned, including the National Housing Federation, and their campaign to secure the appropriate funding”.