HOMES WILL CREATE 300 JOBS

Nearly 300 new jobs could be created in Lincolnshire under plans to invest £12 million on new care homes.

Today the Echo can reveal that Home from Home Care Ltd plans to open 12 new centres, specifically designed to cater for people with learning disabilities.

And it has already started its search for 25 people to work in its first facility, after splashing out more than £1m on buying and converting the Old Hall at Fiskerton.

The Old Hall is due to open next month and will provide support for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24.

The Somerset-based business is aiming to target Lincolnshire because it believes there is a gap to be filled in this part of the care sector.

And it is already starting to convert a second property, in Bardney – also to the east of Lincoln.

Managing director Paul de Savary said the firm is putting the finishing touches to its revamp of the Old Hall – which used to be home to 14 elderly people.

“We’ve taken our time. It’s a wonderful building but we had to make absolutely certain that all the changes we’ve made and the equipment we’ve installed satisfy the most stringent audits and provide a facility that will give the best possible care to those who need it most,” said Mr de Savary.

“When the home is completed next month, it will provide care and support for up to seven young adults between the ages of 16 and 24, who have a learning disability and intensive support needs.

“At least 25 people will be needed to staff the Old Hall, which will operate on a three-shift rota, and as many as 300 new jobs could be created by us, primarily in the Lincolnshire and East Midlands region over the next few years.”

Home From Home Care is aiming to provide a service for families from the East Midlands and Yorkshire region.

Mr de Savary said: “Our residents will come from all parts of Eastern England, perhaps from further afield, and they will require the very best care.

“Our aim is to provide the type of home that we would all like to live in.”

The location of the company’s second home in Bardney has not yet been revealed.

“It will care for people between the ages of 18 and 65 years old,” said Mr de Savary.

Val Campbell, of North Hykeham, who cares for her 37-year-old son, said she would welcome the new homes.

“Lincolnshire has always been bottom of the list when it comes to the number of care homes.

“These will put a lot of minds at rest but we have to ask who is going to be paying for the service?

“Really it should be the responsibility of social services to ensure our children are cared for.

“We’ve had to work very hard to keep caring for our son ourselves.”