ECHO

Midlands-based SEP Properties Ltd, is set to transform the site of the former Eagle pub in Bloxwich, into nine spacious apartments, with parking and outdoor communal space.

The Eagle pub closed in 2007 and has suffered from a number of anti-social behaviour issues including fly-tipping. The new development will be a welcome addition to the local community and residents.

Residents of the apartments will include people with learning disabilities and other associated needs, who will be living independently in their own home. They will receive support from ECHO Supported Living Services (part of the ECHO Group), a leading community support provider, to help with daily living activities including accessing the community, shopping and support with cooking.

This will also result in the creation of new jobs in the local area.

The housing will be managed by Inclusion Housing, a leading health and social care landlord. With ECHO Supported Living Services they will enable the residents to live as independently as possible in their new homes.

The creation of the development, which is expected to open in May 2024, is a direct result of discussions with local commissioners and the need for this type of accommodation locally.

It will give much-needed housing and support options to residents, whilst allowing them to remain near to their families, living independently and developing key skills.

ECHO specialises in supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs to live as independently as possible and to enable them to play an active part in the community.

Sharena Record, ECHO's Operations Director, said: "This latest development by ECHO in the Midlands, working with our partners SEP Properties and Inclusion Housing, will provide a much-needed facility in the heart of the community that will allow people, who need the care and support we provide, to stay in their local area.

"We have the full support of local commissioners to create a service that will support the personalised needs of residents to enable them to lead independent, fulfilling lives becoming an active part of their community.

"Our ethos is to encourage people to take control of their lives and believe in their own potential with the aim of creating positive outcomes for all our service users.

"We will start to recruit local people to fill the many roles needed to support the new development this coming autumn.

"There will be a comprehensive training programme for new staff to ensure they have the skills necessary to provide the personalised care that we specialise in at ECHO."

Pal Singh, SEP Properties Managing Director, said: “We have owned this former pub site for several years, and are thrilled that it is now being developed into high-quality and spacious homes for people who deserve to have a safe and comfortable place of their own. It is important that we help to support vulnerable members of our community and enable them to live as independently as possible. We are very pleased to be working with ECHO, who put their service users at the centre of everything they do’’

ENDS

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE ECHO GROUP OF COMPANIES

Contact: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Enhanced Community Healthcare Options (ECHO) Group provides specialist residential care services with nursing and supported living services for adults with a learning disability and other complex needs.

The aim is to provide safe and supportive care that promotes empowerment, independence and choice, whilst enhancing service users daily living skills, enabling individuals to live effectively in their community.