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European Social Fund Plus
Project2023-01-05

A place for people with intellectual disabilities to call home

Department of Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities
© Department of Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities

Living alone can often be challenging for adults with intellectual disabilities. It is often difficult to balance the desire for independence while still meeting support needs – and keeping in mind a very real risk of social isolation.

With support from the European Social Fund (ESF), a project team has worked to provide the perfect solution for five people with intellectual disabilities: a home where people in similar situations can meet and make friends – while accessing personalised assistance to live as independently as possible.

The ‘independent home for people with intellectual disabilities’ project helped Dimitris to gain newfound independence. ‘[It] gave me the opportunity […] to choose how I want to live my life and what activities to do,’ he explains.

Dimitris’ experience is echoed by housemates like Maria who enjoyed her newfound autonomy: ‘I have my own room. I have many stuffed toys that I really like. I have several kittens that I love to take care of and play with.’

The home provides personalised programmes based on each resident’s needs and preferences. They can socialise with their fellow housemates, engage in a variety of leisure activities including excursions and trips, and take part in counselling and training sessions. Savvas reflects on his experience at the house: ‘Here I can take care of my own parrots, ride horses and enjoy personal speech therapy – where I learned to write my name!’

The home is a safe heaven for people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to gain confidence and enjoy their lives, as Petros highlights: ‘I have the opportunity to go on frequent walks and excursions which I really like. I feel safe at home’.

The ESF-funded project has taken an important step in demonstrating how people with intellectual disabilities can – with the right support – lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Project details

Project name
The Independent living home for persons with intellectual disabilities at Archangelos Nicosia
Countries
Cyprus
Organisation
Department of Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Participants
5 people with intellectual disabilities
Project start
2021
Project end
2027
Contact details
Ms. Vasiliki Fragkaki, Senior Officer at the Department of Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities
vfragkaki@dsid.mlsi.gov.cy
EU Budget contribution
EUR 20 000 000