Families around the UK are urging councils to build more supported living homes.
The moves come after husband-and-wife team Sally and Peter Lawrence persuaded Surrey County Council to build Linden Farm for their son, Simon.
Linden Farm, where Sally and Peter Lawrence helped set up a 10-bed supported living property
10-bed property
The couple spent years battling with Surrey to set up the 10-bed supported living property. The aim was to stop their 25-year-old son being moved out of the county.
The Lawrences set up the Simon Trust in an effort to move the project along.
They first persuaded Surrey to buy a six-acre site in Alfold, near Cranleigh, for the building. Then they raised £250,000.
More economical option
Peter says the couple convinced Surrey it was more economical to have their own supported living accommodation than rely on out-of-county placements.
They say their story has inspired five other families in West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Aberdeen to urge their local councils to go down the same route.
Peter von Schmidt is trying to set up a supported living property in Buckinghamshire for his 24-year-old son. He said there is a lack of suitable provision locally.
Von Schmidt’s son, who cannot speak and has challenging behaviours, is nearing the time when he will have to leave education and come under adult social services.
Proposal being reviewed
His father has approached Buckinghamshire Council and told them he wants to use Linden Farm as a “blueprint”.
He said Buckinghamshire has agreed to set up a team to review the proposal.
Von Schmidt says he wants the council to provide “much-needed in-county appropriate living space for young adults with severe autism”.
Autism Eye approached Buckinghamshire Council for a comment, but it did not respond.
Related:
Published: 22 July 2023
