Last week, with the help of local MP Mark Lancaster, we formally launched our latest Aspire House. The property, in Milton Keynes, has been provided in conjunction with Guinness Midsummer Housing Association and has been home to Gillian and Barry since just before Christmas.

Gillian sustained a spinal injury last year and, as she approached discharge, didn’t have somewhere suitable to live. Fortunately, Aspire was able to help out and Gillian and her husband have used their time in Milton Keynes to search for somewhere to live permanently. We’re delighted that the fully accessible features in the Aspire house have meant that Gillian has been able to live independently and devote her time to finding their new home.

Mark Lancaster was impressed with what he saw, pointing out that so many of the accessible features are simple designs that can easily be incorporated into almost any new house. This is certainly something that Aspire believes and we have long said that accessibility must be given greater consideration when it comes to building new properties.

Until that happens, the Aspire Housing Programme will continue to be a valuable resource to those patients leaving hospital and facing the prospect of living in a nursing home or other unsuitable housing.