Supported Living is part of the Living Options service and it supports a wide range of service users including providing accommodation to meet the needs of people living with a brain injury, physical disability, sensory impairment and learning disabilities.  Another element of the service is providing support for service users in their own homes.     

We are shining the Cedar spotlight sequentially on each of the Supported Living sites over the week including:

The Mews, Johnston Way, Meadowvale Court, West Belfast, Hillmount and Ardkeen. 

West Belfast Living Options (WBLO)

The service is spread over 3 sites in West Belfast and supports 35 service users living with learning and physical disabilities in their own homes. 

The Mews

Visit by Tracy Meharg (Permanent Secretary, Department for Communities) 
L-R Catherine McCarthy(Registered Manager, Mews), Tracy Merharg, Kelly Devlin (Head of Service, Living Options), Margaret Cameron (Director of Living Options), Stephen Mathews (CEO).

The Mews has had a number of visits over the year including two Permanent Secretaries, Tracy Meharg (Department for Communities) and Richard Pengelly from the Department for Health.   

News from the Mews

Chris is a service user and he tells us a bit about living at the Mews in this short interview. 

           

Gerard McAllister is a support worker and he explains why he enjoys working at the Mews.

I have worked at the Mews for a year now and will be here for many more I hope.  My role involves assisting the service users in their daily activities and making them feel safe in their living space. 

There really isn’t a typical day as it depends on what activities you are supporting a service user with.  

I really enjoy working with the service users and making their day and putting a smile on their face whenever I can. 

"The staff team is also really helpful and I feel as if I am part of a family".

When I get time to relax I enjoy going for drives along the coast and I also enjoy fishing.

Recently I found out that I am going to be a father so that’s all very exciting for us.

I love working at the Mews and am grateful to Cedar for giving me the opportunity.

During the lockdown the WBLO service users have been keeping occupied with a range of activities but a recent highlight was celebrating Learning Disability Week 15th - 21st June when the weather was also conducive to the celebrations. 

Aaron in the Cedar Spotlight

Aaron recently told us what he enjoys most as a Supported Living service user and how he is pursuing his love for the Arts.   

Meroe's Award is the icing on the cake

Meroe is an award-winning Community inclusion Officer and she tells us a little about herself and her role with the Supported Living service.

Meadowvale Court

Service Users shared a few lockdown experiences and how it has affected them at Meadowvale.

South Belfast Living Options

The South Belfast Living Options, Supported Living sites are comprised of Ardkeen and Hillmount. 

Ardkeen - has 10 fully adapted apartments combining housing with care and technology to increase independence and enhance quality of life. Tenants can utilise elements of assistive technology to support daily living. Ardkeen is located just off the Lisburn Road in Belfast and close to local amenities such as; shops, restaurants, parks and health centres. The team consists of 4-5 staff on daily to provide the service users support with their daily needs.

Hillmount - consists of 7 flats, and a cul-de-sac of 5 bungalows all of which incorporate elements of SMART technology. All service users have physical and sensory disabilities and /or brain injury with associated needs. The team consists of 3-5 staff on daily to provide the service users support with their daily needs. 

Geraldine and Tracey featured in the video below are both service users from the South Belfast Living Options area.

Mark is a service user of SBLO  

This is what he had to say about the effect the Supported Living service has had on him, in his own words. 

Meet Nicola a Support Worker at Hillmount 

Having worked for Cedar for over 10 years Nicola believes her job satisfaction is a major advantage of the role. 

Eileen  - service user 

Here's what Eileen said about her experience of the SBLO service. 

Introducing Jasmine

Jasmine told us about her role as a bank support worker.

Johnston Way

Monica Owen - Registered Manager, Johnston Way                                                                                                              

Monica explained the service opened in July 2017 in North Lisburn, and provides 24hour support to up to 8 individuals with a learning disability.   The team work hard to provide person-centred support to each of our service users, and promote each person’s independence.  

Service User Jordan (pictured right) with Gary McCracken

Jordan explains why he loves Johnston Way

                                        

Gary McCracken - Team Leader                                                         

Gary enjoys his role and appreciates Cedar's values.  

 Jemma Borowy - Support Assistant

 Jemma is enjoying her supporting role at Cedar