Young people with complex needs are able to leave home and live independently for the first time thanks to a new scheme in Manchester, provided by Golden Lane Housing and supported by Lifeways,  the UK’s biggest team of professionals providing support for adults in the community. Trafford Council commissioned the service.

The scheme will be home to six tenants – aged 17-30 – at the shared house in Trafford. The service enables new residents to leave their family homes for the first time and live more independently than ever before.

Liam, 22, has been living at the service for a couple of months and is already feeling the benefit of having 24/7 support and his own front door.

“Living here has given me a new start in life,” he said. “It’s given me stability and, even though I have an amazing family, being here has helped me realise that now my life makes sense. It’s given me a new start and a purpose.”

Liam has battled with mental health challenges, addiction and is neurodivergent but feels he is now supported by teams of people who understand him.

“(The service manager) Melonie is a fantastic soul. She doesn’t feel like a worker. She’s a genuine person who you can talk to and have a laugh with. She doesn’t approach it as work, she approaches it as a kind soul who is here to help.”

He now has his sights set on pursuing his dream to become a working actor and eventually a family. Liam said: “I’d like to be a working actor. That’s my goal and dream and I’d love to have a partner and family and a career. This is the best place to start.

“The people here are kind and understanding and don’t judge previous parts of your life. I haven’t always experienced that. Here, there’s no judgement, just understanding.

“I really feel like I have a future ahead of me now. As a person who has disabilities, I have never felt truly independent but now I do. I’m now in a position to build a life.”

Emily Collinson, Head of Development and Growth at Golden Lane Housing, said: “Our mission is to help people with a learning disability or autistic people to find and enjoy a suitable, safe home. We aim for our tenants to live in an environment which will support them to live as independently as possible.

“It has been fantastic to work with Trafford Council and Lifeways to bring this scheme to life and to welcome our new tenants. We wish them all the very best in their new home, and look forward to seeing how they get on fulfilling their goals in the future.”

James Denison, Regional Director for Supported Living (North West) at Lifeways, said: “Leaving the family home is a big step, and for people with complex needs it is an even bigger adventure, one in which we feel privileged to play a role.

“What we have in Trafford is an incredible home for six amazing young people who, with our expert support, will learn the skills they need to live a more fulfilling and independent life.

“As the UK’s biggest care and support provider, Lifeways is also very pleased to be working in partnership with Trafford Council and Golden Lane Housing on a service which will genuinely enhance lives.”

Cllr Jane Slater, Executive Member for Health and Independent Lives at Trafford Council, said: “We’re proud to be involved in this exciting project that will make such a difference for young people at a key point in their lives.”