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.