Property purchase boosts short term care support for adults with learning difficulties

22nd December 2015

Sheffield social enterprise Step-Up Support is enhancing its short term care provision to adults with learning disabilities and their families after buying a four bedroomed house in south east Sheffield.

hlw Keeble Hawson's property team has represented the social enterprise group in the purchase of the house at Gleadless Road which has been backed by Key Fund the country's most prolific investor in charitable, community and social enterprises. The house, which will undergo a major refurbishment before opening its doors in 2016, will support clients who are preparing to make the transition to independent living. Step-Up Support provides wide-ranging services and activities, including emergency short term care, overnight respite accommodation and daytime activities to help its clients improve vital life skills including budgeting, shopping and cooking. The enterprise is jointly managed by registered social workers Carole Ainscough and Liz Byrne - each of whom has over 20 years practice experience in delivering services for adults with disabilities. Carole Ainscough said: -There is a major need for more respite care facilities which provide a stepping stone for clients to take the first steps towards supported living. Our new facility will be open around the clock and we look forward to making a difference to those who most need us. -hlw Keeble Hawson's highly experienced property team has ensured that the purchase went smoothly and we also appreciate the vital backing from Key Fund which has enabled the milestone move to go ahead. Claire Mayfield-Tulip, a partner at hlw Keeble Hawson, commented: -Step-Up Support is an inspirational enterprise where clients can meet and develop relationships as well as social and independent living skills in an environment where they are treated with respect - and where dignity and privacy are maintained at all times. We wish Carole, Liz and the team continued success in their new premises. Andy Croft, Investment Officer at Key Fund said: -As the UK's most prolific social investor we pride ourselves on providing the right investment at the right time helping remarkable organisations like Step-Up Support achieve their goals and better the lives of as many people as they can. This was a fantastic project and we are very excited to be a part of it as it sits with our core values, we are sure that it will grow from strength to strength.