Mustard Seed Property attracts investors
10-05-2011LOCAL INVESTMENT BROADENS OPTIONS FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS
Mustard Seed Property, a community benefit society, took another step towards achieving its goals last week, when it held an open meeting last Thursday 5th May at Degibna Prayer Chapel. It is seeking to attract additional people to support its current second round community share issue. This would allow further investment in Mustard Seed Property’s person-centred, supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities in Cornwall.
At the meeting Daniel Brewer, Company Secretary for Mustard Seed Property informed local people of the organisation’s aim to improve its current property for the benefit of the residents. This would include offering more choice by restructuring one part to provide a fully self-contained unit, to cater for individuals moving towards more fully independent living, and installing additional insulation and solar panels to reduce the currently high costs of heating and power and improve general comfort in the house. The estimated budget for these measures is around £75,000.
Should the community share issue raise a further £100-175,000, Mustard Seed Property intend to purchase up to two additional properties to respond to needs for similar provision in other Cornish towns, such as St Austell, where Prospects have already identified several individuals requiring this form of housing.
Chris Lugg, support manager for Prospects, the charity providing the domiciliary care at the property explained the difference supported living makes to the residents, which mainly comprise adults with learning disabilities: “We observe individuals steadily grow their sense of self-worth and independence, and gain confidence to get more involved within the community, which we see as a real benefit for all.”
Mustard Seed Property Ltd acquired its first property in Helston after having raised funds from a share issue in 2007. Since then the house has provided accommodation for up to 5 individuals with learning disabilities, managed by local charity Mustard Seed, which runs the Open Door cafe in Helston, and the national Christian charity Prospects providing live –in support.
In-depth research undertaken by Cornwall Council in 2007 foresaw the long-term shortage of appropriate supported accommodation for individuals with learning difficulties and other vulnerable adults. This has resulted in individuals being needlessly retained in care homes, in poor quality private rented accommodation, or with ageing parents struggling to cope. “None of these options provide the best environment for individuals to acquire the skills to live as independently as possible within their local community.” said Arthur Jackson, trustee of Mustard Seed and an investor in the project since it began. “I am happy to know that my modest investment can offer a really positive solution for otherwise vulnerable adults, enabling them to live as free and dignified a life as possible.”
For more information or a prospectus click here.
