Annette Wilson, who has autism and bipolar disorder, with Ngozi Nwizu, her support worker

A STATE-OF-THE-ART supported living development has been opened near Angel, to the delight of new residents.

Councillors officially cut the ribbon on the new block on Windsor Street last week, which will give 11 adults with learning disabilities the chance to live near their support networks in the community they grew up in.

Annette Wilson, who has autism and bipolar disorder, said living in Rosesip House has been transformational.

She told the Tribune: “I like it here better. It’s light, and big, I like the garden and I like watching planes go to Heathrow through my windows. Jumbo jets are my favourite plane. I see a lot of planes every day.”

Ms Wilson, who grew up in Fortnum Road and has lived her entire life in Islington, spoke of how her new home has encouraged her to make new friends and live more independently.

Ngozi Nwizu, her support worker, added: “Having a place to live like this is very, very important. It gives them more life. It helps their wellbeing so much. It feels like a home, somewhere where they belong. I’ve seen Annette improve so much. People of different learning disabilities, they eat together, watch movies together, sit in the back garden together, go to different services together. That wasn’t happening before. These are great changes, and it’s a great achievement here.”

Planning permission for the scheme to transform Windsor Street car park was granted in 2018, and the building took three years to complete after work started in January 2022.

Four residents have now moved in, with the rest expected soon. It offers seven one-bedroom self-contained flats and four homes in a “pod model”, where residents with greater support needs have their own bathroom and bedroom with a shared kitchen and dining area.

Councillor Flora Williamson, the Town Hall’s social care chief, said: “People with learning disabilities have the right to happy and healthy lives, with the care and support that suits their individual needs. Rosesip House demonstrates how we can deliver that – not just with compassion, but with dignity and respect. It’s a brilliant example of how integrated housing and care can help people lead the lives they choose, surrounded by their community.”