Residents who live in a supported housing scheme for those with learning disabilities in Ross-on-Wye will be among 90 individuals to benefit from extra funding.

Herefordshire Council has been awarded £285,500 from the Department of Health to help residents with learning disabilities live more independently across the county.

The funding, which is part of the Department of Health’s housing and technology capital fund, aims to encourage the expansion of suitable housing for people with learning disabilities and will enable the council to provide assistive technology such as automated doors, video door entry and personal lifeline systems.

It will also provide residents with ‘Just Checking’ equipment; an easy to use online activity monitoring system, which helps people be more independent in their home, and ‘Brain in Hand’ mobile technology, which offers support when people are out and about.

Martin Samuels, Herefordshire Council’s director for adults and wellbeing, said: “We are delighted that our assistive technology scheme has been recognised by the Department of Health with the award of such substantial funding. It is a truly worthwhile scheme which will benefit a number of residents across the county with learning disabilities. The use of assistive technology will provide residents with greater choice, increased confidence and independence and enable them to feel safe and secure in their own homes and communities. It will also provide peace of mind for family and friends, knowing their loved ones are fully supported to live more independently.”