Maidstone boosted by £1m investment

Craegmoor, part of the Priory Group, is investing £1million in a new residential service in Maidstone for people with autistic spectrum conditions. The purpose-built home will provide five en-suite bedrooms, one large bed-sit and two supported living flats.

The individual flats will encompass the best principles of skill development and focus on a pathway to independent living in supported tenancies. The home has been carefully designed to ensure that the environment is optimised for individuals on the autistic spectrum, including the use of therapeutic colours for wall coverings, lighting and furnishings.

Sapphire House will bring together the best qualities of a ‘local’ service with the support and expertise of an established and well respected care provider.  It is planned to open in April and the project will create at least 20 new jobs for the local area.  It will be managed by experienced care professional Blessings Phakathi.

Sarah Hughes, managing director of Craegmoor, said:  “This specialist service for individuals with Autism has been welcomed by local health and social care professionals and will bring high-quality; much needed care provision to Maidstone and the surrounding area.

“The experience Craegmoor and the Priory Group have in mental health, complex and long term care will enhance the care provision  for the area and the new service will bring long-term, secure jobs to the town.”