Aspire, a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, launched a new accessible home on Friday 12th December in partnership with Thames Valley Housing. John McDonnell MP officially addressed the launch.

Every eight hours someone in the UK is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. For those who are newly injured, where they are going to live when they get out of hospital is a major worry. Due to the general lack of accessible housing in the UK, many spinal injured people face the prospect of delayed discharge, being discharged into nursing homes or having to live in unsuitable housing. Such situations rob people of their independence at a time when they should be ready to rebuild their lives.

Aspire Houses, located around the UK, are used on a short-term basis whilst a permanent housing solution is found. It might be that someone’s own property is being adapted, or that they are waiting on their local authority to find them something suitable. Meanwhile, by staying in an Aspire House they can be back amongst their friends and family, free to get on with their lives.

Lisa Gilbert , Lettings Manager at Thames Valley Housing, said: “In late 2012, our CEO Geeta Nanda found out about the important work that Aspire do, and the difference that Housing Associations could make. We’re pleased to be able to offer this accessible property to someone in acute need.”

Brian Carlin, CEO of Aspire, commented: “We are delighted to be launching this house, our first with Thames Valley Housing. 89% of spinal injured people are forced to live in inaccessible accommodation after they leave hospital. The Aspire Housing Programme helps people live an independent life by providing temporary adapted homes with fully accessible features for them to live in whilst their permanent accessible housing is arranged.”