Celebrating the opening of Green Lane supported living

The Bugler Homes Team was delighted to be joined by Hertfordshire County Council’s senior leaders, members, and partners from Abacus Care and Support, Chime Housing, NHS England and Homes England to celebrate the official opening of Green Lane Supported Living accommodation, alongside residents of Green Lane and their families and carers.

Green Lane, built by Bugler Homes, provides 12 en-suite bedrooms across six two-bedroom flats, with additional bedrooms for staff to provide live-in support, enabling residents with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible in accessible, modern accommodation. Each flat has direct access to a spacious private patio or balcony, and all residents can enjoy large communal gardens at the back of the property.

Chime Housing is managing the building, which is located in a leafy, quiet residential area in Watford, and Abacus Care and Support, a care provider appointed by Hertfordshire County Council, delivers 24-hour on-site support to residents.

The accommodation was the first to open in the county council’s supported living programme for working-age adults with disabilities around the county. By increasing the supply and quality of affordable supported living homes in Hertfordshire, the programme will improve the health and wellbeing of those benefitted by the scheme, as well as enable savings for the county council. 

Cllr Sally Symington, Executive Member for Adult Care Services said: “It was fantastic to come together with our partners to celebrate the fabulous accommodation at Green Lane and all the residents who are supported there. Our supported living programme represents a significant step forward in providing safe, supportive, and independent living opportunities for Hertfordshire residents who have additional needs. It also reflects our commitment to working with our partners to deliver high-quality housing and care solutions for adults with disabilities to support them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.”

Jeremy Graham, Director, Bugler Group, said, “The opening ceremony at Green Lane marks an important final milestone for these six apartments in Oxhey. On behalf of the Bugler Homes team, we are delighted that these apartments, which have been constructed with our usual care and attention to detail, have welcomed the first new residents. We would like to thank all involved from CHIME and Hertfordshire County Council who have worked with us to bring this project to completion.”

Jane* is a tenant at Green Lane and is supported by a support worker from Abacus Care and Support said: “When I’m outside in the garden on my swing, I smile and have fun. And I like cooking – I do that a lot.  

“No matter who I’m with, I feel loved by everyone – not just my friends and my family, but also my carers as well. They always have my back.” 

Nana Banton, Founder of Abacus Care and Support, said: “Green Lane is, first and foremost, home to the people who live here, and we’re happy to celebrate with them. We’re proud to support 8 people at Green Lane, alongside a dedicated team of support workers. 

“Everyone has their own story, goals and idea of a good life, so that’s where every support plan starts. Independence looks different for everyone. It might be cooking breakfast, learning a bus route, saying “no, thank you” or choosing who comes through your front door. Our role in person-centred care is to help when needed, step back when not, and celebrate every achievement along the way. 

“Thank you to all partners who have worked on this project with us, to families for their trust, and to our team for their patience, expertise and kindness every day. We look forward to supporting more young people embrace independence.” \

The £4.09million accommodation at Green Lane has been jointly funded through contributions from Hertfordshire County Council, Chime, NHS England, and Homes England.

Paul Richmond, Chief Executive of Chime Housing, said: “We are very pleased to have helped deliver Green Lane and now to be managing it. This excellent new-build development provides safe, long-term housing for adults with additional needs.

“It is a brilliant example of collaborative working, that shows how partnerships built on trust and a shared purpose can deliver high-quality homes for those who need it most.”

To find out more about Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care Services, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/adults