Pictured above: Queens Cross Housing Association’s Chief Executive, Shona Stephen (left) welcomes Scottish Autism’s Senior Autism Practitioner Colleen McMahon (right) to the new facility in Springbank Street.

Scottish Autism has teamed up with Queens Cross Housing to help improve the quality of life of autistic people living in north Glasgow.

Queens Cross has converted a former care home in Springbank Street into new supported accommodation and a Day Opportunity.

The supported accommodation consists of three wheelchair useable en-suite bedsits and a combined office and sleepover room for staff. A new kitchen, dining room lounge, assisted bathroom and utility room have also been built in.

In the Day Opportunity the former care home bedrooms have been converted into six activity rooms; a new kitchen, dining room, lounge, sensory room, assisted shower room and staff office are also part of the redevelopment.

Queens Cross has worked in partnership with Scottish Autism throughout the project to ensure the new facility closely meets their needs.

The whole building has been re-serviced with new systems for electricity, heating and hot water, fire alarm, emergency lighting, sprinkler, staff call system, cctv and telecoms.

The project was delivered with funding from Glasgow City Council, through the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, and a contribution from Queens Cross.

Queens Cross Housing Association’s Chief Executive, Shona Stephen said:

‘It is essential for us as a Housing Association that we provide services and accommodation that meets the needs of people in the area whatever their individual circumstances are.

"We are delighted to be able to work with Scottish Autism to provide this day care resource and supported accommodation which is much needed in the area. It will be a huge benefit in helping to improve the lives of people living with this life affecting condition."

Autism is a lifelong, developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and processes information.

Scottish Autism creates personalised support plans for individuals based on their strengths and motivations designed to achieve outcomes that are meaningful to them.

Jackie Latto, our Director of Autism Services, said: “We’re delighted with the redevelopment in Springbank Street which has been transformed to provide much-needed residential accommodation and services for autistic adults in North Glasgow. As a charity committed to enabling autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives, this new service will provide residents with an enjoyable, comfortable, and independent living environment supported by experienced staff. The Day Opportunity will also help ensure further social engagement and community interaction for the residents.”

Queens Cross Housing Association manages around 4500 homes in north west Glasgow.

The project team included Contract Building Services, Collective Architecture, G3 Consulting Engineers, and Martin Aitken Associates.