Blandford Forum, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on January 13th, 2026 | return to news

New home in Blandford Forum for neurodiverse young adults

Three young neurodiverse adults will be offered support from six months to three years at a shared home in the town.

Three young neurodiverse adults now have a new shared home in Blandford Forum.

The residents will be Care Act eligible, which means they qualify for support following a care needs assessment. Support will incorporate tech-enabled care, in addition to in-person support, to maximise independence.

They have primary neurodiverse needs but not complex needs and will be offered support for between six months and up to three years.

This initiative aligns with the Starts at Home campaign, led by the National Housing Federation, which advocates for investment in supported housing.

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Adult Social Care, said: “This new supported living property is part of our commitment to helping young adults with neurodiverse needs achieve their aspirations for independent living, with a focus on enabling support and move-on.

“In Dorset, there is a growing need for this kind of accommodation, and to have this as an option is going to be life-changing for people.

“This will be a place that young people can call home and will provide a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive. It highlights the positive impact that can be made for individuals and communities.”

The property, managed by SNG Housing, is a refurbished detached home with a new kitchen and walk-in shower, sitting room, conservatory, dining room, three bedrooms, shared bathroom and a staff sleep-in room.

SNG’s head of Supported Housing, Rachel Strange, said: “We are proud to open this property to support neurodivergent young adults to develop the skills to live independently and meet their specific needs.

“By working closely in partnership with Dorset Council, we’ve responded to local demand for specialist supported housing and created a safe, positive environment where young people can thrive. We hope it will provide the foundation and confidence for its residents to live fulfilling and independent lives in the future.”

Support at the home will be delivered by iDirect Independent Living, an experienced supported living provider in the South West.

iDirect Independent Living founder, Vinesh Kumar, said: “iDirect is proud to be part of this partnership with Dorset Council and SNG Housing.

“Our role is to provide enabling, skills-focused support so each young adult can build confidence, increase independence and become an active member of their community. We are excited to welcome residents and support them to live a life they have reason to value.”

The iDirect service is complemented by Individual Service Funds (ISFs), providing young adults with more choice and control over how their agreed support budget is used. The flexibility of ISFs promotes independence and move-on outcomes for residents, while also enabling the use of tech-enabled care, adding safety and confidence (for example, prompts, check-ins, sensors or remote support).

Young people meeting the criteria can be nominated via Dorset Council’s Housing Nomination Panel. For details, visit Homes with Support or email ldmhaccommodation@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.