Aragon HA Formerly MacIntyre Housing Association

Who are Aragon Supported Living ? Formed by MacIntyre Care in the 1990s Originally named Macintyre Housing Became a subsidiary of Aragon Housing Association in 2000 and in 2008 became part of the Grand Union Housing Group. April 2016 now known as Aragon HA An exempt charity developing and managing high quality accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and other support needs Projects range from highly specialised schemes developed around individual needs to conventional self-contained flats with housing association tenancies Housing management geared to the distinct needs of the individual and tenants are able to lead diverse and fulfilling lives. Aragon SL works well with partner agencies to develop practical, innovative and cost effective alternatives to residential and hospital care. merge took place April 2016, no change other than name, business as usual

What makes Aragon SL special? We work directly with tenants on housing support issues and in partnership with others in providing support. We provide individualised pictorial information for each tenant. We meet all our tenants to listen to their concerns and respond to them on a regular basis. We involve family and other carers in our plans for the future. Aragon Supported Living

What can we do? Build highly specialised buildings. Provide ‘normal’ everyday tenancies and homes. Provide individualised supported housing management. Encourage tenants to give us their views and to take part in decision making. Help find the right housing solution for people in need of support. Encourage independent and informed choice for all our tenants.  

What do we do? Housing for who? How do they qualify? Over 18 years old Have a support need Be known to the local social services team with a named social worker Accommodation for a range of varying support needs Living independently Managing their own lives Long term – with support! Aragon Housing Association provides the following services Supported Living Schemes for people with a learning and/or physical disability (we offer both self contained and shared accommodation) Registered Care for adults with a learning disability Supported Living for adults experiencing mental ill health Supported Living for women and their children who are fleeing domestic abuse

The role of the Supported Housing Officer The Supported Housing Officer will… Agree and review support plans Support the tenants as per the agreed support plan Assist with claiming welfare benefits Create a budget plan Ensure repairs are reported and completed to a good standard Support to stay safe and secure within and outside of your home. To support you to report worries and concerns under safeguarding guidelines. Assist with understanding the rules of the tenancy agreement and support with being a good neighbour. To have regular meetings to discuss what is good or bad about the service or scheme. To liaise with you, your families or advocates to enable choices are made and to manage positive risks.

The role of the Supported Housing Officer The Supported Housing Officer Cannot… Offer nursing to tenants Administer medication Cook meals Clean tenants properties Collect benefits, prescriptions, or go shopping for tenants (except in an emergency and with prior agreement of their line manager) When the usual Supported Housing Officer is unavailable… ‘Buddy’ system in operation for office hours

Where we cover Bedfordshire 23 schemes Lincolnshire 1 scheme Herefordshire 1 scheme Cambridgeshire 1 scheme Oxfordshire 2 schemes Hertfordshire 13 schemes Kent 1 scheme Buckinghamshire 18 schemes + 26 schemes in MK London 2 schemes 698 residents, 91 schemes, 9 counties

Repairs Service Property repairs are dealt with by Customer Services teams at both Aragon Housing Association (AHA) and South Northants Homes (SNH). Any properties situated in Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire are covered by SNH. In addition to this SNH also cover schemes at Coventry Road in Bedford & Edward Street and Beech Close in Dunstable. AHA deal with all other MHA properties.

Where we are expanding We are always looking for opportunities to expand…. We are currently working in partnership with: - Hertfordshire County Council Central Bedfordshire Council Milton Keynes Council Luton Borough Council North Hertfordshire Home The Epilepsy Society To look at providing new accommodation solutions for people requiring support.

Assistant Director, Housing and Support Supported Housing Manager Managing Director Aileen Evans Assistant Director, Housing and Support Services Deborah Stuart Project Surveyor Jon Potts Kim Wharton PA Rachel Mannings Admin Support Supported Employment Admin. Asst Eric Clark Supported Housing Manager Jayne Roycroft Team Leader Anne-Michelle Collins SHO Marcus Olozulu SHO Carol Newbound SHO Gina Rockall SHO Becky Bloomfield SHO Sheena Howe SHO Chris Fletcher SHO Emma Sullivan SHO Jane Thomas