NI Health Minister Visits Ards Supported Living

Adults with learning disabilities who live in Cuan Terrace in Newtownards were delighted to welcome the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA for a visit and a welcome cup of tea!

The supported living facility provides 24/7 wrap around care while encouraging all of the nine residents to be independent and live life to the full.

Cuan Terrace, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, is made up of 10 single-tenancy apartments each with two bedrooms, a bathroom and an open-plan kitchen and sitting room.

The facility is a partnership between the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the landlord Apex Housing Association. The Minister was welcomed into the home of service user Stephanie Campbell who made him a cuppa and presented him with a handmade sunflower card, which the Minister said will have pride of place in his office at Stormont.

During the visit, Minister Nesbitt thanked staff for their dedication and commitment. Touring the wonderful facility, he heard how staff arrange many activities and outings for the service users which include weekly trips to discos, shopping and family events. Staff also ensure each service user enjoys a yearly summer holiday. of their own choice.

Another service user, Sheree Morton, who loves living in Cuan Terrace said, “It is so supportive and the staff are here whenever you need help. I can go out on my own and I am more independent than I used to be. I cook my own dinner and do my own washing. My life is just wonderful!”

Minister Nesbitt stated, “I made it clear from day one in my post that I wanted to visit Social Care Centres to see the services on the ground. This is a fantastic facility in Newtownards and to come and visit these places is really energising for me, it helps me to redouble my efforts to make a real difference and deliver better outcomes.”

Welcoming Minister Nesbitt to Cuan Terrace, Senior Manager, Supported Living Services, Diana McIntyre-Patel added, “This is an opportunity for us to showcase one of the best supported living schemes available. We have service users in Cuan Terrace at the moment from 27 – 63 years of age.

“We support the service users with all their daily tasks, medication and help arrange activities and outings for them. Several of our service users are members of special Olympic teams and have won medals. One of the ex-service users was a World Champion in a speedboat competition!

“Keeping service users in their own home environment is our main ethos. Cuan Terrace is a home for life it is a service with a soul in the heart of the community.”

Director of Adult Services, Rachel Gibbs explained, “The adults with learning disabilities who live in Cuan Terrace are living their best lives. They are in the heart of the community and their neighbours support them incredibly. Last year when they were attending the Masquerade Ball, the neighbours came out to cheer them off and support them.

“The Managers are exceptional and work extremely hard to create opportunities that we all take for granted, such as holidays, spa days and day trips. They do things that should be accessible for all people with learning disabilities. We are so proud of the work that happens in Cuan Terrace.”

Photo Caption: L/R: Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Diana McIntyre-Patel (Senior Manager, Supported Living Services, South Eastern Trust), Rachel Gibbs (Director of Adult Services, South Eastern Trust), Gareth Gibson (Interim Registered Manager, South Eastern Trust) and Clare McStay (Asst. Director Disability Services)