Residents at St Giles, a Springboard supported housing project for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems, are celebrating the completion of 22 new homes in East Hanningfield near Chelmsford. Springboard is part of Genesis Housing Group.

The site was previously The Hospital and Homes of St Giles dating back to 1914 when it was the only hospital in the country for the treatment of leprosy. Since Springboard Housing Association took over in 1985, residents at St Giles have been able to live independently in an environment where they can manage their own home, access the wider community and participate and work as citizens in their own right.

Set in 22 acres of ground in the heart of the Essex countryside 40 new flats in total are being built in two phases. 22 flats have now been completed with the next 18, the second phase, to be finished within the next year.

The homes are being built by contractor Hill Partnerships. They will provide fully self-contained accommodation that meets Decent Homes Standards, are energy efficient, have level access and include improved health and safety features. The style of the new development will complement the existing architecture, even down to the detail on the chimneys on the roof.

All flats have one bedroom with their own separate bathroom and kitchen. There is also a modern community block with an IT suite, training kitchen, pottery and function room.

Roy Chittock, a resident at St Giles, said 'I have just settled in to my lovely new flat. I have my own bedroom with a toilet and shower room and a sink for my very own use which helps me to live independently.'

Harton Bailey, Interim Managing Director of Springboard, said 'We are extremely pleased to complete Phase 1 of the re-development of St Giles. The customers enjoy living here, that is very apparent and it is gratifying to see.'

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For further information about Genesis, please contact

Helen Quinn on 020 7563 0031 / email helen.quinn@ghg.org.uk or visit www.ghg.org.uk

For further information about St Giles, please contact Ursula Deith on 01245 224595 or email udeith@springbaordha.org.uk

Photo caption (l-r): Jamie Hunter, Development Director, Hill Partnerships Ltd; Chelmsford Mayor,Tony Sach; Ursula Deith, Manager of St Giles; Mayoress, Lorraine Sach; Ken Start, Springboard's founding Managing Director; Harton Bailey, Interim Managing Director of Springboard"

Notes to editors

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community, and is one of the largest and most diverse housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 38,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overriding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

Springboard joined Genesis Housing Group in April 2005 and currently supports more than 5,000 households in 24 local authority areas across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. In addition to general needs housing, shared ownership and leasehold properties, Springboard specialises in supported housing for the elderly and people with special needs.