News

Ed Balls Opens Latest Aspire House

Our National Housing Programme continues to grow, and last week we were delighted to open the latest addition to the scheme - a new, three bedroom bungalow in Wakefield. Local MP, and Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, attended to see for himself the work that we are doing and to meet the first tenant, Martin.

Housing continues to be a major problem faced by people with spinal cord injuries - all too often, patients are discharged from hospital to totally unsuitable accommodation, be that nursing homes or inaccessible houses that are still in need of essential adaptations. This house will help prevent such situations by providing a temporary solution for those who need time to source a permanent, suitable home.

Attending the launch were those organisations that had worked together with Aspire to make the prjoect a reality. The house has been provided in partnership with Wakefield Council, Jephson Housing Association Group, Miller homes and generously funded and supported by the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation and the Constance Green Foundation.

Ed Balls was impressed with the work being done in his area and instantly recognised the importance of the Aspire House:

Having a fully accessible home makes a vital difference to people with spinal injuries, ensuring they can be independent from the moment they leave hospital, and getting them back with their families. That’s why I was really pleased to attend the opening of the latest Aspire House in Wakefield - the third house in our area that has been specially built to support people with spinal injuries back to independence.

I’m delighted that organisations in my constituency are working together with leading charities to provide this innovative solution to the housing problems faced by people with spinal cord injuries.

I wish Martin and Jean, and all the future tenants who will live here over the years, all the best and hope that they enjoy their time in the Aspire House.