Milewood grows presence across the North East

Milewood has expanded its presence across the North East after investing more than £2m in services across Teesside.

The organisation has grown its network of specialist homes across Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and the surrounding area. Its investment has been used to develop environments for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs who benefit from having a home and dedicated support built around their requirements.

Milewood has opened or developed services in Ormesby, Hemlington, Norton, Nunthorpe, Thornaby and Stockton, with further provision planned for Thornaby, Coulby Newham and more in Stockton.

The company is also investing in larger specialist services as part of its regional growth strategy. Southfield in Middlesbrough will provide five places across three flats and two bedrooms following completion and registration. Milewood is progressing with the purchase of another property in the town, which is planned to provide four to five self-contained flats.

To support the expansion Jamie Alderson has been appointed as regional operations manager. Experienced in adult social care and working as an interim regional operations manager with oversight of multiple residential services, he joined the provider 18 months ago. Its growth projects will create up to 100 jobs.

‘The North East is an extremely important region for Milewood and our investment over the past 18 months demonstrates our long-term commitment to growing our presence here. Jamie’s appointment further strengthens that commitment and I am confident he has the skills and experience needed as we continue to grow,’ said Milewood chief executive Martyn Heginbotham.

‘A significant part of that growth has been in bespoke services. We know there are people with more complex needs and creating this type of home gives us the opportunity to design the physical environment, staffing and support around their individual needs and in consultation with them and their families, as well as local authorities.

‘We have built a strong operational presence across Teesside and we believe there is considerable scope to continue that growth. We are already looking at further opportunities in Middlesbrough and the Redcar area, as well as identifying additional sites which will enable us to respond to future demand,’ he said.