Supported Accommodation. The Supported Accommodation Unit provides a high level of support to people with severe physical disabilities. Prospective residents should be aged between 18 and 64. We ask that they make their own informed decision about accepting a tenancy or resident agreement and be motivated and committed to living as independently as possible. In return, we provide a high level of flexible assistance by professionally trained staff. This is available on a 24-hour basis. There are eighteen studio apartments suitable for single people, each comprising a bedsitting room with en-suite shower and toilet facilities. Residents can install their own telephones. Automatic door openers and other adaptations can be provided to suit individual needs.

The studios are on different floor levels and are accessed by lifts. A spacious sitting and dining room on the ground floor is served by a kitchen providing meals catering for all tastes and cultures. There are three smaller lounges situated on the first and second floors. Each has a small kitchen for residents who wish to make snacks or cook their own meals. There is a well-equipped laundry, located in the Sheltered Flat Unit, that can be used by residents of both the sheltered flats and the Supported Accommodation Unit. There are also wheelchair stores where battery charging points are provided. Two guest rooms are available for a nominal cost for friends and relatives of residents who wish to stay overnight.

The Supported Accommodation Unit is designed and managed to allow residents privacy and choice within a secure and supportive environment. Staff work with residents to enable independent living and, where the residents decide, to help them to move on to a more independent lifestyle in their own home.

Housekeeping. In addition to cleaning all the communal areas within the Supported Accommodation Unit, the domestic staff provide a "home help" service to residents.

Social Work. The Supported Accommodation Unit is registered with the local authority to provide residential care services.

Caring for Residents. As well as having the security of 24-hour care professionally trained team on hand, residents in the keyworker system Margaret Blackwood supported accommodation can depend on the familiar and friendly help that comes from. our "keyworker" system. Residents have the services of a "key" identified member of staff with whom they can discuss their particular needs and this keyworker, in co-ordination with other staff, helps to support the resident work towards his or her individual goals. Residents and keyworkers also develop support plans, which are detailed programmes of care and support tailored to meet individual needs.

Personal choice. We encourage residents to take an active part in the democratic approach decisions affecting the daily life of their Unit. Regular meetings are held and new opinions and ideas are noted and acted upon. Residents set the agenda and chair these meetings. A member of the management team attends to assist as required and ensure that the decisions taken are carried through into action.

Sheltered Flats. There are nine wheelchair standard flats. These are available to people with physical disabilities who are aged between 18 and 64 when they move to MacLehose Court. These one-bedroom flats have kitchens and bathrooms designed to suit the needs of the principal user. They are linked to the Supported Accommodation Unit's call system for emergencies but any other support is provided from community sources.

Independent Apartments. There are five apartments built to wheelchair apartments standards and designed for families where one or more members has a physical disability. Sizes range from flats with one double bedroom suitable for a couple or a single person, up to three bedroomed apartments suitable for a family of six. Again, kitchens and bathrooms are designed to suit the needs of the principal user. The Association does not provide support to these apartments and any care needs are met by the local Social Work Department or by the District Nurse.

Mainstream Flats. Of the 48 flats at MacLehose Court, 16 are suitable for senior citizens or for people without a disability. These properties are let to people nominated by Inverclyde Council Housing Department and, in this instance, applications should be made direct to the Housing Department and not to the Association.

Maintenance. A Maintenance Officer is available between 9am and 5pm on weekdays to carry out minor repairs and offer advice to both residents and tenants. At other times defects can be reported to the Duty Manager, who will arrange emergency repairs if required.

Transport. We have our own minibus suitable for people in wheelchairs and local taxi firms also have vehicles adapted to accommodate wheelchair users. There are good railway and local bus services and bus stops are close by.