On Tuesday 24th September an open event was held at Diana Francis House in Caterham-on-the-Hill to enable members of the public to view the facilities inside the building and meet the management team.

The five-bedroom house offers accommodation to people between the ages of 18-45 who have a physical and/or mild learning disability.

Assisted by Supported Housing Officers Maryam Bouregaa and Sue Peterson, the residents can learn the skills needed to live an independent life when they move out of Diana Francis House into independent accommodation.

Ann Hildebrand, whose son Andrew lives in Diana Francis House, said: "Andrew moved in when he was 28 years-old and it has made a world of difference to us all.

It has been a pleasure to see him living more independently.

It was soul destroying to see him still living at home with his parents, spending all his time on his computer because he had no work. He has made great progress since moving here and is very happy."

Andrew said: "Since moving into the house I feel more free and have more independence and am nearly ready to move into a one-bedroom flat of my own soon, where a support worker will visit me during the week."

The House currently has vacancies for new residents.

For more information contact Maryam or Sue on 01883 337218, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.ihot.btck. co.uk.