A care home is celebrating as a resident with learning disabilities prepares to move into her own flat thanks to its support.
Catherine Cowans, 37, has lived at Sunnyside House, in Aveley High Street, for less than a year. But thanks to an innovative programme at the home, she will be moving into a new flat this month.
The My Life programme helps young adults with learning disabilities to live independently, through 19 different training modules on skills for everyday life such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and looking after money. It also includes coaching in social skills such as assertiveness, relationships and citizenship.
Catherine said: "I wanted to learn how to look after myself and have my own flat. I know how to budget my money now and I can cook a meal and pay my bills. I have a job in a charity shop and I'm looking forward to getting my own flat."
Sunnyside is the only home in Essex to offer this kind of training. The home's managing director, Andrew, Azzopardi, said the programme is good value for money for Thurrock Council.
He said: "Working with Cathering helped us to develop our unique programme, which gives young people structured coaching. This gives them the life they want and long-term it saves money for councils who would otherwise pay for their care."
Sunnyside House is now building a training flat for its residents to move into when they finish the programme. When its completed it will be a two-bedroom independence training centre within the care home. Residents will be supported by the care home team, but can try out new skills before moving on.
- Thurrock Gazette
