The Old Eight Bells in Mansfield is more than just an affordable housing project. Benefiting from £1.6 million of investment from the Resonance Supported Homes Fund, the former nightclub has been transformed into eight apartments for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, alongside dedicated community and activity spaces.

Following extensive refurbishment, the building was handed over to and is now managed by United Response, one of the fund’s housing partners, that provides on-site support for tenants as well as activities that are available to people from the wider community, too.

Paul and Kelly, who both live nearby, can access the community spaces which have become an important part of their everyday life.

“It’s friendly. The staff are nice. The people are nice,” Kelly says. “We’re starting to make friends – and we do stuff outside of The Old Eight Bells, like go bowling or on day trips.”

For Paul, the impact is simple but powerful.

“Joyful… probably is the place to be. Basically, it’s like a safe space.”

Hear what Paul and Kelly have to say about what The Old Eight Bells means to them, in our short film:

A space built for connection

Each week, The Old Eight Bells hosts a range of activities and group sessions designed to bring people with learning disabilities and autistic people together in a supportive and inclusive environment.

For Paul and Kelly, this includes taking part in the podcast group and a community choir – opportunities that provide them with a chance to connect with others and be part of something.

The choir, led by the on-site team at United Response, reflects the inclusive ethos of the space. As Tara, Service Manager, explains:

“It’s not about whether you can sing or not – it’s whether you enjoy music and enjoy singing.

“Some people like to sing a solo, some prefer to be part of the group. But it’s really about coming together, having a sing, and making new friendships. It’s the social aspect that everybody really gets something out of.”

Before its transformation, The Old Eight Bells had stood empty for several years, having previously been a thriving nightclub and before that, a pub (that originally opened in the early 1800s). Today, it provides not only high-quality supported housing that supports both independence and inclusion, but also a welcoming environment for people beyond its tenants,

Impact beyond the tenants

For Paul and Kelly and many others, The Old Eight Bells offers something that can sometimes be hard to find – a place to feel included and safe, build friendships and be part of a warm community.

The connections formed there often extend beyond the building itself, through shared activities, day trips and social time together.

This is where the wider impact of the Mansfield development - and the fund - is most visible.

By opening its doors to the local community as well as tenants, The Old Eight Bells demonstrates how supported housing can do more than provide homes – it can create opportunities for connection, reduce isolation and bring people together.

About the Resonance Supported Homes Fund
 

The Resonance Supported Homes Fund is a social impact investment property fund launched in July 2020 to provide much needed long-term homes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
 

The fund raised £15.2m in investment from four impact investors: Better Society Capital, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Barrow Cadbury Trust and Oxfordshire County Council. It has 35 properties in its portfolio, 30 of which have been handed over to its two housing partners, and so far over 50 people have been provided with the right housing and support that meets their needs.