I spent many years working in social care with councils and NHS Trusts large and small, as a prime provider, subcontractor and joint venture partner, working for charities and companies in the commercial sector, with people from many different backgrounds, specialising in health and social care, housing and education.

I saw people with learning disabilities and people using mental health services, struggling to find a home that met their needs, and that enabled them to live an independent life. Older people and wheelchair users struggling to move around their own home because it was unsuitable.

Anyone who has spent time on an acute mental health ward or inpatient setting will know what challenging places they can be. The environment can be far from therapeutic, and it is sad that increasing numbers of people remain on mental health wards when they are well enough to leave because of the lack of available supported housing.

There was a need for a niche property business to create great places to live, and help people to get a home of their own. Housing designed to promote the highest levels of independence, housing for rent with access to support to enable people to have choice and control over their daily lives. A need for long-term supported housing options for people who might otherwise end up in residential care or NHS provisions, and housing for people sleeping rough or in homeless shelters.

Working with a couple of partners, who share a passion for specialist and accessible housing, and who have a rich variety of skills and experience, Homelife was founded to invest, develop and build specialist supported housing across the country. Last but not least, to have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing.