Willow brook

The Learning Disability Committee is responsible for the setting up of a complex of nine flats in the Coleraine area for learning disabled adults. The committee has recently circulated an information leaflet on learning disability to all ministers and those in leadership roles in the church. A follow-up resource pack is presently being prepared that will facilitate our church's ministry to people with learning disabilities.

Willow Brook in Coleraine continues its ministry in the provision of supported housing and consideration is presently being given to a possible extension of the project to include accommodation for people with a physical disability.

Meanwhile, plans are progressing for the closer involvement of the Board of Social Witness in the work of Aaron House in Dundonald where people with more profound learning disabilities are cared for.

Willow Brook

Willow Brook is an exciting and innovative supported housing scheme in Coleraine for people with a learning disability.

• Core principles of the scheme include:
• Encouraging independent living, with appropriate help and care available where necessary.
• The recognition of a person's right to privacy and respect for their dignity.
• Living in a Christian environment.

Accommodation

Willow Brook provides accommodation for nine residents. Three reside in single bungalow units each with a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The other six residents are housed in two larger buildings each comprising three flats with en-suite facilities and closet kitchens, and a large communal lounge and kitchen. There is an additional sleep-over accommodation for a staff member.

Location

Willow Brook is close to the centre of Coleraine situated off Millburn Road in a quiet residential area overlooking the River Bann. Bus and train services to the surrounding area are close by, as are shops, post office, bank and local churches.

Management

Willow Brook is managed by the Board of Social Witness (responsible for residential services) and Oaklee Housing Association (responsible for the building). The Causeway Health and Social Services Trust and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive approved the scheme and the Trust included it as part of its strategic development plan.

"For some time the Church has been conscious of the need to find ways of ministering to the spiritual needs of people with learning disability. The principle of Willow Brook is to maximise and to encourage independent living within a Christian environment, whilst emphasising a person's right to privacy and respecting their dignity." Rev. Jim Waring, Convenor.