St Leonard's Court, Ayr

Opened in May 1995, St. Leonard's Court is a small, modern housing development situated off St. Leonard's Road on the south side of Ayr and just a mile from the town centre. Representing a milestone in the promotion of integrated living within Ayr District, St. Leonard's Court provides much-needed specifically designed accommodation and support services for people with physical disabilities and their families. The scheme includes homes designed for wheelchair users and people who have limited mobility as well as housing for mainstream tenants. St. Leonard's Court is close to accessible local shops, health centre, primary and secondary schools and other civic amenities. Ayr Hospital is less than two miles away.

Supported Housing

Image of St Leonards Court, Ayr

Prospective tenants of our Supported Housing Unit should be aged between 18 and 65. We ask that they make their own informed decision about accepting a tenancy agreement and are motivated and committed to living as independently as possible. In return, we offer a high level of flexible assistance by professionally trained staff. This support is tailored to individual needs and is available on a 24-hour basis, whether the tenant lives alone or with his or her family.

The supported housing is designed and managed to allow tenants privacy and choice within a safe and supportive environment. There are 12 fully self-contained ground floor homes consisting of:

5 single-person flats each featuring a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom;
4 two / three-person flats each featuring a living room, double bedroom, single bedroom, kitchen and bathroom;
3 four-person flats each comprising a living room, three bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and second separate toilet.

Each supported flat has central heating, double-glazing, a kitchen adaptable to individual tenant requirements, wet floor bathroom, a fire detection and alarm system, a call system for contacting staff, wheelchair charging point and a covered carport. Where necessary, automatic door openers and other adaptations can be provided to suit individual needs.

Housekeeping - The domestic staff at St. Leonard's Court provide a service that is scheduled and tailored to the needs of individual tenants of the supported flats.

Personal care

The keyworker system -
As well as having the security of 24-hour support from a professionally trained team on hand, the tenants in Margaret Blackwood supported flats can depend on the familiar and friendly help that comes from our "keyworker" system. Each tenant has a member of the support staff nominated as their keyworker. This will be someone to whom the tenant particularly relates and with whom they can discuss their specific needs. The keyworker, in co-ordination with other staff, helps the tenant work towards his or her personal goals. Tenants and keyworkers also develop support plans that are detailed programmes of care and support specifically tailored to meet individual needs.

Image of tenant and his keyworker in his kitchen at St Leonards Court, Ayr

Personal choice

The democratic approach - We encourage the tenants of the supported flats to participate as much as possible in the running of the scheme. There are regular meetings where people can raise issues and ideas and be involved in any decisions that need to be made. A member of staff attends to give assistance and ensure that the decisions taken carry through into action. Training in interview techniques is available in order that tenants can participate in recruiting new staff.

Flats designed for people with general housing needs

There are a further 19 flats at St. Leonard's Court to which the Association does not provide support services. Of these flats, 11 are located on the first floor, with the remaining 8 flats on the second floor. Each of the unsupported flats has either one or two bedrooms, has central heating and double glazing and a security entry system. Access is by stairs with handrails.

Care Commission Reports

All of the services that are currently on offer are regularly inspected by Care Commission Officers. To view the Care Commission Reports please go to the Care Commission Website.

Maintenance

A maintenance service is available between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Defects can be reported to the Administration Officer or Duty Manager, who will arrange emergency repairs if required.

Transport

Local taxi firms have vehicles adapted to accommodate wheelchair users. There is a good local bus service and bus stops are close by. Ayr Railway Station is less than one mile away.

St. Leonard's Court

Map of Saint Leonard's Court, Ayr
St. Leonard's Road
Ayr KA7 2PN

Tel 01292 619749
Fax 01292 619751
E-mail info@mbha.org.uk

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© Copyright Margaret Blackwood Housing Association, 2004
Margaret Blackwood Housing Association is a recognised Scottish charity. Reference No. SC007658 and is registered with Communities Scotland No. HEP 158 and the Financial Services Authority No. 1728R(S)

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