On Friday 6^th November, Aspire launched a new accessible house in partnership with the Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG).  The launch was attended by Councillor Eddy Newman, Chair of the Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, and Brian Carlin, CEO of Aspire.

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 concern, as most people’s homes aren’t suitable for a wheelchair.   All too often, they’ll find themselves discharged to somewhere totally unsuitable, such as an unadapted house or a care home.  Unsuitable housing can mean anything from returning to their home but having to wash in the kitchen as they are unable to access the bathroom, or not being able to leave the property unless friends or family are able to carry them outside.   Such situations rob people of their independence at a time when they should be ready to rebuild their lives.

The Aspire Housing Programme offers an alternative; a temporary, accessible place to live whilst a permanent solution is organised.  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.

Eddy Newman, Chair of WCHG said, “WCHG is building a wide-variety of new homes to meet the ever-growing needs of local people.   We have a current new build programme for almost 500 homes in Wythenshawe and we are delighted to be working with Aspire to provide them with their first accessible house in the Manchester area and to play a part in this important work to provide accessible homes for people with spinal cord injuries.”

Brian Carlin, CEO of Aspire, comments: “We are delighted to be working with the Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and to be able to provide our first accessible home in Manchester.  On leaving hospital, 89% of spinal injured people are forced to live in inaccessible accommodation.  The Aspire Housing Programme has 48 houses around the UK which are available on a temporary basis whilst permanent accommodation is arranged, helping those affected move from injury to independence.”

To read more about the Aspire Housing Programme please go to: http://www.aspire.org.uk/help-with-housing.