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A
�10 million investment is helping to change the
lives of people with learning disabilities across the
county.
This year marked the end of people with learning
disabilities living in NHS residential services in Kent
and opened the door to a new life of independent,
supported living.
The success of the project and improvements that it has
made to people's lives can be seen in a film produced by
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent which visits individuals in
their new homes.
Tony Gritton, who spent a lot of time in community
hospitals, now has his own place in Belvedere.
He said: "I have chosen all the furniture in the house
with a friend. I also have lots of photos and a bird bath
and table in my garden.
"I can do more for myself now. I have my own bank
account. I can do the shopping, make my own dinner
and go on holiday.
"I like that I'm a tenant not a patient and don't
have nurses doing everything for me. I have more
independence and more choices in my life."
Sue Gratton, Head of Learning Disability Commissioning
for the NHS in Kent, said: "We are changing the way
that people are supported for the better.
"This means that people live in their own homes and get
far greater choice about where they live, who they live
with and how they live their lives.
"I know that for many parents the thought of their son
or daughter living a more independent life is hard for
them to imagine.
"But the key to having a more independent life is just
about having the right support."
Westley Deakin shared a bungalow with three women at
Lanthorne Court in Broadstairs but is delighted with his
new flat in Birchington.
Mum Lorraine said: "You do have concerns at first. But
once you get involved and see how the scheme is run
and how much time and effort goes into it you will see
there's really nothing to worry about.
"For my son, it's the best thing that's happened to him in
his life � living with support in his own place."
All mine: Westley Deakin enjoying his new home with mum Lorraine
Watch the film online at our new-look website www.easternandcoastalkent.nhs.uk/videos
Everyone should have the
right to live in their
own home
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