Opened in May 1995, St. Leonard's Court is a small modern housing complex situated off St. Leonard's Road on the south side of Ayr and just a mile from the town centre. Representing a milestone in the promotion of integrated living within Ayr District, St. Leonard's Court provides much-needed specifically designed accommodation and support services for people with physical disabilities and their families. The complex includes homes adapted for wheelchair users and people who have limited mobility as well as housing for mainstream tenants. St. Leonard's Court is close to accessible local shops, health centre, primary and secondary schools and other civic amenities. Ayr Hospital is less than two miles away.

Supported Accommodation. Prospective tenants of our Supported Housing should be aged between 18 and 65. We ask that they make their own informed decision about accepting a tenancy agreement and are motivated and committed to living as independently as possible. In return, we provide a high level of flexible assistance by professionally trained staff. This support is tailored to individual needs and is available on a 24-hour basis, whether the tenant lives alone or with his or her family.

Supported Housing is designed and managed to allow tenants privacy and choice within a secure and supportive environment. There are 12 fully self-contained ground floor homes consisting of:

* 5 single-person flats each featuring a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom;
* 4 two / three-person flats each featuring a living room, double bedroom, single bedroom, kitchen and bathroom;
* 3 four-person flats each comprising a living room, three bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and second separate toilet.

Each supported flat has central heating, double glazing, a kitchen adaptable to individual tenant requirements, wet floor bathroom, a fire detection and alarm system, a call system for contacting staff, wheelchair charging point and a covered carport. Where necessary, automatic door openers and other adaptations can be provided to suit individual needs.

Housekeeping. The domestic staff at St. Leonard's Court provide a service that is scheduled and tailored to the needs of individual tenants of the supported flats.

Support for Tennants. As well as having the security of 24-hour support from a professionally trained team on hand, the tenants in Margaret Blackwood supported flats can depend on the familiar and friendly help that comes from our "keyworker" system. Each tenant has a member of the support staff nominated as their keyworker. This will be someone to whom the tenant particularly relates and with whom they can discuss their specific needs. The keyworker, in co-ordination with other staff, helps the tenant work towards his or her personal goals. Tenants and keyworkers also develop support plans that are detailed programmes of service and support specifically tailored to meet individual needs.

Personal Choice. We encourage the tenants of the supported flats to participate as much as possible in the running of the scheme. There are regular meetings where people can raise issues and ideas and be involved in any decisions that need to be made. A member of staff attends to give assistance and ensure that the decisions taken carry through into action. Training in interview techniques is available in order that tenants can participate in recruiting new staff.

There are a further 19 flats at St. Leonard's Court to which the Association does not provide support services. Of these flats, 11 are designed for senior citizens and are located on the first floor. The remaining 8 flats on the second floor are for mainstream tenants. Each of the unsupported flats has either one or two bedrooms, has central heating and double-glazing and a security entry system. Access is by stairs with handrails. These properties are let to people nominated by South Ayrshire Council's Housing Department and, in this instance, applications should be made directly to the Housing Department and not to St. Leonard's Court.

Maintenance. A maintenance service is available between 9am and Spm on weekdays. Defects can be reported to the Administration Officer or Duty Manager, who will arrange emergency repairs if required.

Transport . Local taxi firms have vehicles adapted to accommodate wheelchair users. There is a good local bus service and bus stops are close by. Ayr Railway Station is less than one mile away.