Having a home of her own has been a long time coming for Emma, who has learning disabilities, and now that she’s living in her own supported home, it’s made all the difference.

Emma has always lived in Calverton, Nottinghamshire, with her family, including twin sister, Aynsley. Being close to loved ones has always been important, but as she got older, it became clear she wanted – and needed – her own space.

As Aynsley puts it, “You wanted to move out, didn’t you?”

Over time, Emma’s needs became more complex, and it was no longer possible for them to be fully met at home. While her family remained a constant source of support, finding the right environment for Emma to live independently, with the right care in place, became essential.

“It just wasn’t going to be a viable option to have the help and support go into the home,” Aynsley explains.

Emma now lives in a self-contained flat in The Old Eight Bells, Mansfield, delivered through Resonance’s Supported Homes Fund. She is supported by the fund’s housing partner, United Response, giving her the balance of independence and care she needs day-to-day.

For Emma, the design and location of her new home have been key. Change can be difficult for Emma, particularly when it involves lots of transitions or unfamiliar environments, including things like travelling to a new place and getting out of a car, minibus or taxi – can feel overwhelming.

“She’s just not able to cope with those changes. She likes to take time with each stage.”

That’s what makes Emma’s new home so important. Everything she needs is close by. The flats and shared spaces are designed to work together, with support from United Response on hand and a range of activities nearby.

“What’s lovely here is the flats and the hubs… all the social circles, the activities and clubs – they couldn’t be any closer,” says Aynsley.

This accessibility means Emma can take part in activities and connect with others in a way that feels manageable and enjoyable, without the barriers she faced before. Having consistent, tailored support from United Response alongside opportunities to engage socially has helped create a balance that works for her.

For Aynsley, it’s also a moment of reflection.

“It’s been a long old road… trying to find somewhere that was going to be right.”

Supported housing like this combines independence with the right level of care, creating an environment where people can feel safe, settled and connected. For Emma, having her own space – with everything she needs close by and the support of United Response – has made daily life more manageable and opened up new opportunities.

For Emma, the impact is simple but powerful: having a home that works for her means she can feel comfortable, supported and secure.

Hear Aynsley share the impact Emma’s new home has had below:



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.