A key moment in Apax’s Independent Living Scheme (ILS) took place with its launch on the 15 of March 2017 at Kirkdale house. The event – well attended by senior professionals, agencies and residents – was characterised with an introduction into the scheme, its objectives and processes that interplay at connecting the beginning, when a resident is admitted, to the end when the aim of moving through to independent living accomplished.
The Scheme was introduced by Mr Aaron Ayala, Apax’s project lead, whilst the three compositing stages of the Scheme: Achieving My Tenancy, Gaining My Tenancy and Floating Support Service, were introduced by both LF, and ex-resident with whom the Scheme was co-produced and who is spearheading the project as part of the team, and Miss Alixcia Ossei, Apax’s floating support worker. It was further encapsulated with a short video animation followed by other testimonials from an already celebrating beneficiaries of the Scheme were shared by three residents who have moved into independent living due to this Scheme.
In his opening introductory speech to the event Aaron emphasised the “unique opportunity the Scheme contains in making eventual fulfilling life-changes to those who so desire and are able to live an independent life through proven living skills.” “It is important”, Aaron further stressed, “that reasonable chances are created to ease the growing housing needs of most residents in such a way that reinforce a rewarding independent life, and Apax is fully committed to ensuring this through the Scheme.”
Correspondingly, LF completed her part in the programme with a statement of detailed assurance and supportive fact. She said, “We aim to carry on this process over the coming years in which we will be actively talking to landlords and housing option reformers that residents are given due satisfaction, particularly in ensuring a safe home that promotes complete independence.” “For those preparing to move-on”, she conclusively addressed her audience, “be certainly assured that we are here to help facilitate your necessary housing arrangements”.
Equally, the last stage of the Scheme, floating support service, is instituted to channel the Scheme’s impetus and stimulates its sustainability, was explained by Alixcia, who described this stage as a safe environment “where you don’t have to feel alone in managing the change from supported living to independence until you feel capable enough to completely live independently”.
Moving home is a stressful life-changing event therefore, “it is necessary and expected”, Alixcia continued, “that extra support is adequately given in certain areas so that the experience of moving-on doesn’t overwhelmingly become unbearable to the extent of reversing the progress made – and that is what floating support is here to help you customise and avoid. Floating support may include a weekly or fortnightly visit to help manage social inclusion, manage and sustain tenancy or familiarising the local area amongst many others.
Here are some of the testimonials shared:
I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for me. You’ve helped me to believe in myself and have been able to move on, which I didn’t think would happen.”
SC, Apax previous resident
“My main expectation when I moved to Apax was to be able to talk about my mental health. Now 8 month later, I have moved to my on flat.”
CE, Apax previous resident
The superb nature of the event ended with a video about the scheme – which is viewable on the website – food, refreshments and some amazing goodie bags as take away.
