Brain injury housing scheme opened

Published: 5:36 AM August 2, 2003 Updated: 9:21 PM February 17, 2021

A GROUNDBREAKING housing scheme to help people with traumatic brain injuries live independent lives has been launched in Colchester.Berryfields, in Nickolsons Grove, has one-bedroom bungalows for each of its eight residents, together with a helpline, 24-hour support and a communal area with a lounge.

A GROUNDBREAKING housing scheme to help people with traumatic brain injuries live independent lives has been launched in Colchester.

Berryfields, in Nickolsons Grove, has one-bedroom bungalows for each of its eight residents, together with a helpline, 24-hour support and a communal area with a lounge.

The idea came from social worker Judith Goody, who found that she had a number of clients who had returned to live with parents after having traumatic brain injuries.

They were all in their 30s and 40s and wanted to live independently but needed help with managing their finances, running a home and looking after themselves.

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She bid successfully for money from the Essex Strategic Reserve Programme, a capital funding system arising from a voluntary agreement between housing authorities, the county council and the Housing Corporation, to build the unit.

Derek Robinson, Essex County Council's cabinet member for community care, said: "I am delighted to be opening this excellent facility, which is the first of its kind in Essex.