New supported housing for those with mental health needs

An old empty mill is to be transformed into much-needed housing for people with mental health issues.

Bury Council plans to create supported living accommodation for 14 adults at Topping Mill in Bury.

The property will have 14 self-contained flats and one staff flat with office space, and four units on the ground floor will be fully accessible for wheelchair users.

The location offers town centre living, close to public transport and social activities, which is not often an option for adults receiving social care due to a shortage of suitable properties in the area.

Topping Mill, in Topping Street, Bury is a red-brick, two-storey former industrial mill constructed in the mid to late 1800s. The building was occupied by confectioners Scott & Rosse before they vacated it in the 1960s, and has been vacant for several years.

The project has been approved by the council’s cabinet, which will now procure a care provider for the scheme, which should be up and running by 2025.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing, said: “There is a real need to increase the supply of supported living in Bury, including for people who require 24/7 support.

“This project will improve the outcomes for people with mental health needs, enabling them to live independently and reducing the need for them to travel outside Bury for housing and support. It should also reduce hospital admissions and allow them to leave hospital sooner once they are fit to do so.

“Specialist staff will help residents on their recovery, supporting them with daily living skills such as cooking, budgeting, managing routines and keeping well. This will help them move on into independent living in the community.”