Kilcreggan Homes to expand supported living service into Magherafelt and Ballymoney
An east Antrim-based charity that provides housing solutions to adults with learning disabilities, autism or an acquired brain injury is expanding its supported living service into Magherafelt and Ballymoney.
Kilcreggan Homes provides a variety of housing options, as well as day opportunities, supported employment and volunteering, accompanied by bespoke planning for people who require an individualised package of support.
The organisation currently supports approximately 180 vulnerable adults.
With its central base in Elizabeth Avenue, Carrickfergus, the organisation also has a presence in Newtownabbey, in Larne and more recently in Magherafelt, where it operates award-winning therapeutic farm the Mid Ulster Sanctuary.
The charity has purchased its first property for supported living in Magherafelt, with plans to provide more housing options in that region.
Providing an individual with the opportunity to live independently within their local community while receiving the support they need to thrive, the new Magherafelt home will be closely linked to the Mid Ulster Sanctuary, giving the person access to the dedicated therapeutic space and the wellbeing support it offers.
Meanwhile, Kilcreggan Homes has committed £1million to develop a project in the Ballymoney area.
This aims to offer a much-needed and under-developed service in providing short breaks and respite facilities to families and adults who have learning disabilities – a targeted need for the Department of Health and local health trusts.
About Kilcreggan Homes
From an idea born in the late 1980s initiated by Dr Oliver Shanks, Kilcreggan Homes Ltd’s first build was in 1994.
Since then, it has been developing innovative and unique services in response to service users and their wishes to participate in their community and make a meaningful contribution.
The organisation has been creative in developing unique therapeutic farms, drop-in centres, social enterprises, and a garden centre and café, along with volunteering and supported employment opportunities.
Under the leadership of CEO Damian Cassidy, Kilcreggan Homes has developed its own housing stock - in addition to housing from Choice Housing Association - enabling the charity to offer its supported living services to vulnerable adults.
Kilcreggan Homes works in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, along with the Housing Executive’s ‘Supporting People’ programme, Choice Housing Association, and Community Finance Ireland.