Rehabilitation Scheme Helps Bury Man Move On

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 12 June 2006

A scheme run by Irwell Valley Housing Association and Bury Adult Services has helped a Bury man get on to the road to recovery after a serious road traffic accident completely changed his life.

Keith Holt aged 58 was involved in a serious road accident in September 2005 that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. Following a month-long stay in North Manchester General Hospital and the fitting of a prosthetic limb at Fairfield Hospital Keith embarked on the road to recovery using physiotherapy to help him recover his mobility. Keith was supported by the Irwell Valley scheme, which acts as a halfway house for people in need to develop independence skills due to physical or sensory impairment.

Following a referral through Bury council’s adult services, Keith was accommodated in one of eight two-bedroom flats that Irwell Valley provides with supporting people funding. Over the course of two years they offered a programme of support to help Keith manage his finances, look for work and prepare meals and regain his independence following rehabilitation.

With the help of medical, and social care staff and the Irwell Valley scheme Keith has progressed both physically and emotionally. He has embarked on a computer course and made new friends along the way. Counselling services offered to him have also helped him achieve a sense of happiness and calm that was took away from him directly after his accident and he is now looking to move into his own home tailored to suit his needs where he can carry on fulfilling the positive aims he has set out for himself.

Councillor Tim Chamberlain Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing said, "Keith is one of Adult Care services success stories and we have many more like him who have used the Irwell Valley units and turned their lives around following tragedy. We are delighted for him and wish him the best of luck in his new home."