Our history

When we were set up, our first task was to acquire 11 properties in Torbay and South Devon. At the time these properties were owned by the NHS.

They were registered care homes for people with a learning disability operated by Forward Living, a sister charity of Forward Housing. They provided accommodation for 71 people.

These properties were transferred to Forward Housing on 1st January 2001. We decided with Forward Living that we needed help to improve the properties and the opportunities for people living there.

After some research, Thera Trust was identified as a charity which shared our commitment to people with a learning disability. Thera also had experience of working in partnership with housing associations to provide high quality accommodation for people with a learning disability.

In 2009, Forward Living joined the Thera Group and developed into Thera South West.

In February 2010, the properties ceased to be registered care homes and the people living in them became tenants of Progress Care Housing Association. Their support continued to be provided by Thera South West.

In January 2012, we began a refurbishment and re-provision programme to make the properties more suitable for support at home. The programme was completed in 2016.

 

“This programme was the completion of a long journey for many of the people supported within Thera South West. A journey over many years that saw them move from the institutions of the long stay hospitals through large residential homes to being later in life, able to become tenants and have their own homes under a secure tenancy. It was also a big jump in the quality of life for them all.

The project meant that for some their homes were transformed from dark heavily residential houses into modern spacious accommodation while others moved into their own bespoke properties laid out and equipped to meet their needs.  Whether a new home or a renovated property the people themselves and their families were involved to make sure they were able to live with who they wanted to live, where they wanted to live and that these were very much their own homes.”

Contact us if you would like more information about Forward Housing.