Residents 'more confident' in new supported homes

Washington Old School, which was built in 1893, was redeveloped into 15 flats

New housing for vulnerable adults has officially opened, with one resident's mother saying her son had gained "more confidence" since moving in.

It comes after the Washington Old School building in Sunderland was restored and extended to create 15 specialist apartments.

Support is also on hand for residents, Sunderland City Council said.

Resident Robert Richardson, 34, said he enjoyed living somewhere where he can be more independent, but still close to his family.

Washington Old School was originally Biddick School, and the building stood empty for about 20 years before it was restored by the local authority.

The old school stood empty for about 20 years and was described as a "blight on the community" by the council

Mr Richardson's mother, Barbara, 67, was a former pupil of Biddick School.

She said: "As soon as I heard that the school would become supported housing, I was keen to get Robert a flat and when we found out Robert got a place we were absolutely over the moon.

"As soon as he moved in, he loved it. He's gone from strength to strength; he has more confidence, he's made new friends, and he's very happy."

The apartments were completed in August by Brims Construction after being developed by the council's Housing Development Team.

It received £600,000 grant funding support from Homes England.

Graham Scanlon, assistant director of housing services at Sunderland City Council, added: "This scheme sits beautifully alongside a community of homes that we developed as a local authority in 2021.

"It is just the latest project we have carried out to ensure the city benefits from a wider range of properties to support the needs of vulnerable residents and those living with disabilities."