The Haven to Bring New Specialist Supported Housing to Bristol

Six young adults with complex needs and their parents and carers are set to benefit from Elim’s latest specialist development in south Bristol. The proposed development will deliver six high quality purpose-built bungalows, complete with staff accommodation, creating supported housing for young people with individual care needs.

It comes after a landmark decision by Homes England and Bristol City Council to fund the project, alongside the funds made available to Elim through our merger with Places for People. The funding arrangement agreed by Homes England is believed to be the first of its kind in England and could set a new standard for similar projects across the country.

A ceremonial breaking ground was held today for the new specialist support housing scheme in Knowle, Bristol. Those taking part in the ceremony included representatives from Bristol City Council, Homes England, NHS Bristol and local Councilors.

Paul Smith, Elim Housing CEO, said: “We are really pleased to see this scheme progressing, meeting Bristol's unmet need for specialist supported housing for people with learning disabilities and autism. The Haven represents a significant investment in specialist supported housing and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing high-quality homes for those with complex needs.

“We have successfully secured £900,000 in grant funding from Homes England and Bristol City Council, to ensure the future of the project with the majority of the funding being borrowed through Places for People our merger partner.”

Councillor Lorriane Francis, Chair of the Adult Social Care Policy Committee, said:
“Today marks a significant milestone for everyone involved in The Haven, and breaking ground on this development is the result of dedicated partnership working. Specialist supported housing like this is essential to ensuring that young people with co-occurring needs can live safely, with dignity, and with the right level of support around them.

“The Haven will provide more than high‑quality, accessible homes - it will offer stability, security and a place where residents can build independence with confidence. By working collectively, we are helping to shape an environment where individuals and their families feel empowered and supported, both now and for the future.”

Naina Mandleker, Consultant for Elim Housing, said: “The Haven has been about turning an ambitious vision into a deliverable, high-quality scheme that will genuinely change lives. By bringing together Homes England, Bristol City Council and the wider partnership, we’ve helped create a model of specialist supported housing that is both innovative and replicable. This scheme will give six individuals with complex needs a safe, purpose-built place to call home- somewhere that provides stability, dignity and the right environment in which they can truly thrive.”

The scheme is developed jointly with Bristol City Council, Homes England, The Haven Charity and other stakeholders, and is due for completion in early spring 2027.