The transformation of The Old Eight Bells in Mansfield shows how people with lived experience, families, support providers, commissioners, investors and fund manager can work together to create housing that enables people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live independently and thrive.

Creating the right housing for people with learning disabilities and autistic people requires more than a suitable property. It takes collaboration, shared expertise and a commitment to putting people's needs at the centre of every decision.

The transformation of The Old Eight Bells, in Mansfield, just one of the properties purchased and refurbished by our Resonance Supported Homes Fund, demonstrates what can be achieved when tenants, families, support providers, commissioners, investors and fund managers work together towards a common goal.

In the film below, we hear from some of the people who made this project possible - and from some of those whose lives have been changed by it.

Following investment from the Resonance Supported Homes Fund, what was once a vacant town-centre nightclub is now home to eight self-contained supported living apartments - all of which are new homes to the supported housing sector -alongside communal spaces and a regional hub for United Response. The development provides people with learning disabilities and autistic people with a place of their own, while also ensuring they have access to the support, connection and opportunities that help them live independently.

The project reflects the importance of partnership at every stage of the process.

Creating housing that genuinely works for people starts with understanding their needs and aspirations. Families, support teams and housing specialists all bring valuable perspectives on what makes a successful home, while local authority commissioners provide insight into housing needs within their communities and the gaps that need to be addressed.

Liz Farrell, United Response Service Manager at The Old Eight Bells explains that “The difference that The Old Eight Bells has made to people is immense … It is a marker of what strong partnerships can achieve, and a model for future schemes.”

And Maxine Fry, Head of Fundraising at United Response explains how “Partnerships like this show what’s possible when charities, funders and the local community come together. It’s not simply about creating housing, but also opportunities to thrive.”

Working together, stakeholders helped shape a development that balances privacy and independence with opportunities for connection and support. The result is a place where tenants have homes of their own while also benefiting from shared spaces and a wider community around them.

For Aynsley, whose sister Emma is also a tenant at the property, finding the right home and right support - after a six year search - was critical, “If we were to desIgn a flat specifically for her, it would be exactly this”, she said of her apartment, “It still feels like a dream. She's got this perfect little flat - and a life that we didn't think was possible before.”

The project also highlights the important role social investment can play in addressing the shortage of high-quality supported housing.

Through the Resonance Supported Homes Fund, investors provide the capital needed to acquire and transform properties that can deliver lasting social impact. Their investment helps create homes that might not otherwise exist, while enabling specialist partners such as United Response to focus on delivering the support that helps people thrive.

One of the fund's investors is Barrow Cadbury Trust. Kumar Ghosh, Head of Social Investment there, explains how visiting The Old Eight Bells in person quote “The great thing about seeing this building in person and the residents in person, is that it brings to life what our funding is able to support.”

At The Old Eight Bells, that investment has also helped bring an underused building back into productive use, creating a long-term housing solution for eight people while contributing to the wider regeneration of the local area.

Most importantly, however, the success of the project is measured by the people who now call it home.

For tenants, having the right home can mean greater independence, choice and confidence. For families, it can provide reassurance that their loved ones have a place where they can build fulfilling lives with the right support in place. For commissioners, providers and investors, it demonstrates what can be achieved when different sectors work together to address complex social challenges.

Thomas, one of the tenants living in the property describes The Old Eight Bells as “like a big family” and explains, “I love it here, it’s great. I’ve got my own place. It’s new, newly built. My favourite part of the building is my bedroom and living room. I’ve got my own space and can do what I like, watch television if I want to. The people I live with are great. I like the people here. I have lots of chats, have lots of fun. It’s safe, and if I’ve got any problems, I can just go straight to the staff or talk to friends. I’ve made lots of friends, and yeah, I’m really enjoying myself here. And it’s a happy home.”

The Old Eight Bells is more than a building transformation. It is an example of how partnership, shared purpose and social investment can come together to create housing that delivers lasting impact for individuals, families and communities.

Read more about the work of our Resonance Supported Homes fund in the fund's latest Social Impact Report 2025/26.