Moorgate Mill was officially opened on the 7th July 2015 by The Worshipful Mayor of Blackburn with Darwin Borough Council, Faryad Hussain, and is an award winning development consisting of 20 apartments adapted to meet the needs of residents with complex needs. The innovative complex has been fitted with cutting-edge adaptive technology from ATEL and Tunstall including telecare sensors, telehealth systems and access control, so that tenants can benefit from state-of-the-art care solutions to support them now and in the future.

Tunstall and ATEL have worked with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Inclusion Housing, Lifeways and HB Villages to deliver Blackburn’s first purpose-built development for adults with complex needs including physical and sensory, learning disabilities, and some with behaviour that challenges. Moorgate Mill is an exciting mix of care, accommodation and technology designed to create an environment that supports independence and is more cost effective than traditional provision.

Tony Walker, Business Development Director for Tunstall said: "There is an urgent and growing need for commissioners to provide suitable care and accommodation for adults living with a variety of disabilities. What we need is a future that empowers people to take more control over their own care needs. By harnessing the right blend of design, technology and care, we can give people the same life choices as others. The Tunstall/ATEL approach fills that gap by offering a new and exciting technology-enabled care concept."

Tenants moved into their new homes at Moorgate Mill in July 2014 and since then the scheme has built a caring community which has not only changed the lives of tenants, but also their families and carers. Over the last few months, tenants have developed new independence, allowing elderly relatives, who have been long-term carers, retire in the knowledge that their loved ones are living happy and independent lives.

Jemima Taylor, Group Director of Development and Communication for Lifeways, said: "We are delighted to have opened this highly anticipated service in Blackburn and are looking forward to providing the best quality of care for our tenants. The bespoke housing and personalised support will provide a foundation for each individual to develop their independence, achieve their outcomes and goals. We are delighted that the scheme has been recognised across the industry for its excellence by winning two top national industry awards.

"This service is a testament to what can be achieved when organisation’s work in partnership to meet the needs of a local community."

David de Silva, Chief Executive of Inclusion Housing, said: "Moorgate Mill is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through innovative collaboration between Statutory, Not for Profit and Private sectors. Inclusion Housing is proud to have delivered this purpose built scheme and are delighted to see the tenants settling into their new homes. We look forward to working with Lifeways and the council to make this a valued resource for Blackburn for years to come."

Jonathan Wrigley, Managing Director of HB Villages, said: "Moorgate Mill promotes personalisation for tenants. It gives them the choice to live where they want to, independently and in a safe environment. It empowers them to make their own decisions and gives them the freedom to manage their own home, budgets and lifestyle with support where needed.

"It's fantastic to celebrate the wonderful homes the tenants have created. HB Villages, with our partners, is committed to replicating the success of Moorgate Mill in other areas. Our vision is to build fit-for-purpose assisted living premises in every local authority in the country."

Related news articles:

• Tunstall's Profile

About Tunstall
Tunstall Healthcare Group is the market leading provider of telehealthcare solutions, with over 3.6 million users globally. Tunstall’s solutions support older people and those with long-term needs, helping them to live independently by effectively managing their health and well-being. Its solutions have been proven effective in the world's largest telehealthcare trial. Tunstall provides technology, services, expertise and advice to millions of people enabling them to lead independent more fulfilling lives.

About ATEL (Adaptive Technology Europe Limited)
ATEL designs the infrastructure which provides a foundation within each building, allowing vulnerable adults to be assessed for their individual assistive/ adaptive technology (AT) requirements. ATEL then works closely with care partners, Inclusion and tenants using their expertise to recommend, source and install suitable technology which enhances an individual’s life and saves significant care costs.

ATEL has recognised (from first-hand experience) that effective use of adaptive technology is an investment in the future wellbeing of vulnerable adults. It enhances the flexibility of a building, prolongs its useful lifespan and results in efficiency savings in care hours and therefore costs. It ensures these vulnerable adults live in the comfort and dignity that they deserve.