THERE are concerns over meeting the housing needs of adults with learning difficulties after the expected closure of a vital service.

At Home, who manage Canal House – a small residential unit that supports adults with complex needs to progress to independent living based on Albion Street, has confirmed it will close if council funding is withdrawn in March.

A Swindon Council spokesman said: “Canal House currently receives Supporting People Funding, but unfortunately due to the financial pressures facing the council, it was decided in November that its funding would run out on March 1.

“However, following the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review the council’s Supported People Partnership Board will reassess the decision at its next meeting in two weeks’ time.”

A charity, Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness (DASH), has expressed their concerns about the future of adults who suffer from autism and Asperger’s if Canal House closes.

Canal House is a seven-bed hostel in the centre of Swindon for people who are currently involved in mental health services and require housing with support.

Anne Billingham, DASH secretary and volunteer advocate, said: “DASH is shocked and disappointed to learn that Canal House is having its funding withdrawn.

“This service has achieved tremendous outcomes for adults with Asperger’s who experience comorbid mental health problems and we fear that this has not been recognised in the decision making process.”

Ms Billingham said that DASH wants to see older adults with Asperger’s syndrome or with mental health problems to be able to access appropriate housing-related support to offer them a better opportunity to sustain an independent life.

She added: “The current position whereby people with Asperger’s are expected to fit into existing services that offer generally low levels of awareness and understanding of autism, is contrary not only to the principles of Supporting People but also the requirements of the Adult Autism Strategy. Discarding a service that provides appropriate support in meeting the needs of adults with Asperger’s is not only unacceptable but likely to create the need for more costly interventions in the future.”

In Swindon, there is thought to be 700 people at any one time, of whom 150 may be children and 550 adults, who have Asperger’s syndrome.