New homes help people with learning disabilities

Les Amis chairman Norman said the clients were "living independently and not on top of each other"

People with learning disabilities in Jersey have now settled into purpose-built homes designed to give them more independence, a charity has said.

Les Amis said the independent living apartments on Green Street, St Helier, had been 10 years in the making.

The one-bedroom flats were built with the help of Andium Homes, the charity said.

It said 12 people in Jersey moved in from July, with the development officially opening on Thursday last week.

Martin, a resident, said the new facility was perfect for him

The block of homes was named after Leslie Norman, chairman of the Les Amis board of trustees.

Mr Norman said the clients were "living independently and not on top of each other", adding there was a "lovely garden where they can meet up".

"We've seen how they come home in the evenings, and they get their chairs, and they go and sit on their balconies or sit in the garden and chat to each other," he said.

"It's leading the same sort of life that you and I do.

"This is a new thing for us because the provision we want to make for our clients is evolving and it's just marvellous."

Martin, a resident at the Greet Street accommodation, agreed and said his new home was perfect as it gave him more room.

The charity said the new homes would help meet demand for similar homes in the island.