Golden Lane Housing (GLH) has today officially become a stand-alone housing association for people with a learning disability or autism,  following a demerger from Mencap. The move will see both organisations entering an exciting new partnership arrangement that supports new housing solutions and each other’s strategic plans.

GLH was established by Mencap as a housing charity in 1998 to address the shortage of quality housing options for people with a learning disability and registered as a housing association with the Regulator of Social Housing in 2015.

Since then the organisation has grown significantly and now provides homes to over 2,500 tenants across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In the coming months GLH will launch its new strategic plan – known as  ‘Our Plan’ – which has been co-created with GLH tenants, staff and board members. Building on the previous five year plan issued in 2019 that put good quality services, healthy business and new homes at the heart of what they do, the next three years will see GLH focus on changing and improving the delivery of their housing and repairs services and ensuring tenants are safe and happy in their homes.

John Verge, chief executive of GLH, said: “Our tenants are at the heart of all the decisions we make. The housing need for people with a learning disability or autism continues to increase and our impact and ambitions to continue to grow our offer of independent living is as strong as ever. I am looking forward to the next stage in GLH’s journey to remain financially strong, make the organisation the best place to work and help create the future, long term homes so greatly needed. We are also looking forward to working with Mencap through our new partnership to influence positive change for people with a learning disability or autism.”

Edel Harris, chief executive officer of Mencap, said: “GLH is certain to go from strength to strength as it launches its new strategy and continues to deliver housing options for people with a learning disability. We have so much in common, not least our desire to see people with a learning disability live full, happy and independent lives. We look forward to working together in this new and improved partnership, as separate but aligned organisations.”

About Golden Lane Housing:

 Golden Lane Housing (GLH) is one of the country’s leading supported housing landlords for people with a learning disability. We provide high quality housing across England, Wales and Northern Ireland that is tailored to meet a person’s specific needs and work in partnership with more than 150 support providers to ensure people have access to the support they need to live independently both in their home and community.

About Mencap:    

There are approximately 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Mencap works to support people with a learning disability, their families and carers by fighting to change laws, improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities. Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want: www.mencap.org.uk