Loretto Housing Association builds a reputation for Innovation with support from Clydesdale Bank

14/12/2011

A housing association in Glasgow is building an innovative new type of accommodation for people with alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) after agreeing a financial deal with Clydesdale Bank.

Loretto Housing Association, which was established in 1977 and owns more than 900 properties across the central belt, has commenced work on a new 26 unit development on Glasgow’s Tollcross Road, which, once complete, will provide supported accommodation for 22 individuals with ARBD, which leads to people suffering from dementia-like symptoms.

Clydesdale Bank provided Loretto with almost £1.2m million to fund the project, which is the first of its kind undertaken by a housing association in Scotland.  The total cost is more than £4.7m. Financial support has also been provided by Glasgow City Council and Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board.

The Association has also received support and endorsement for the project from Glasgow City Council’s Addiction Services and the Scottish Government’s Centre for Excellence in Dementia Services at Stirling University.

Due for completion in April 2013, the new ARBD facility will provide specialist nursing care to 22 people suffering from the illness, helping them to move towards a more independent way of life.  The additional four premises at the 26 property development will provide mainstream social housing for larger families in the form of four townhouses.

The financial package supplied by Clydesdale Bank is also being used to fund two further developments by Loretto – a now completed and fully occupied sheltered housing project in Methlan Park, Dumbarton and a supported accommodation facility on Neilston Road in Paisley.

Robert Gibson, Managing Partner at Clydesdale Bank’s Glasgow Financial Solutions Centre, said:  “This is an extremely worthwhile and innovative new development being undertaken by Loretto Housing Association.   The new facility is purpose built to meet the very specific needs of those suffering from the illness, and is designed to help them cope with day-to-day life.

“Loretto has an excellent track record of working with disadvantaged groups across the central belt, and for delivering top quality homes and services to its tenants and residents.

“Clydesdale Bank is extremely pleased to be able to support the Association in their ambitious plans for Glasgow.”

Loretto Housing Association’s New Initiatives Manager, Rona Anderson, said: "We are extremely proud of our track record both as a housing association and as a care provider. We believe this new approach to caring for people with ARDB will be a template that could be replicated in other parts of Scotland.

“Clydesdale Bank has played an instrumental role in this new project, and we look forward to working closely with them as we progress our plans following its completion in 2013.”