Places for People and Molly’s Project unite to create ‘forever homes’ for people with autism and learning disabilities

Places for People (PfP), the UK’s leading social enterprise, is proud to announce a new partnership with Molly’s Project - a transformative campaign dedicated to creating permanent, personalised homes for people with autism and learning disabilities (ALD) in the North East of England.

The partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between PfP and Molly’s Project, which was founded by The Middleton Foundation to address the severe shortage of suitable housing for people with ALD by offering not just a roof over their heads, but a true ‘forever home’.

Molly’s Project was inspired by the story of Molly Prince, whose health and wellbeing deteriorated due to repeated failed transitions into supported living. Her life was transformed when The Middleton Foundation purchased a home tailored to her needs. Today, Molly lives in a safe, supportive environment with daily care - and her story is now the blueprint for others.

Claire Prince, Molly’s mother, said: “Molly became very unwell during a period of instability and failed transitions from residential college which led to her being sectioned in 2018 under the Mental Health Act. After this, a hard decision was made for her to be discharged into supported living but the options available from the Local Authority at that time were unsuitable and would not have met Molly’s needs. 

“I did not know where to turn at this point so spoke to my friends, The Middleton’s, and within a matter of months The Middleton Foundation bought a beautiful home for Molly to be safely discharged to. A home that looks like any other and on a lovely road close to local amenities and part of a community.

“I am very grateful that Molly has remained out of a hospital environment and in her own home since discharge. The fact that during visits with myself and her family she can say “I want to go back to my house now” is music to my ears. She is living independently with 24/7 care from a local provider, and I can work and see her when I can, and be her Mum, not just a care giver.

What makes a Molly Home is its permanence, personalisation, and security. Residents are involved in decisions about their homes - from decoration to furnishings - and families are reassured by the Foundation’s commitment to long-term ownership and fair rent practices.

Partnering with PfP means Molly’s Project benefits from the organisation’s deep understanding of specialist housing, and a shared commitment to lifelong housing solutions designed around each person’s needs.

PfP currently manages almost 3000 specialist housing properties, with 123 of them in the North East. From sourcing and adapting properties to working with care providers and commissioners, their expertise ensure people with complex needs have safe and secure homes that meet their individual requirements.

Director of Living Plus at Places for People, Christine Candlish, said: “This partnership is about more than housing - it’s about hope, stability, and community and as an experienced supported living provider, PfP understands the importance of tailored care. Molly’s Project shows what’s possible when we listen to families and work together to meet real needs. This shared commitment is why we were keen to work with the Middleton Foundation and share our extensive experience of delivering supported living homes for people with a wide range of care needs. We look forward to providing more Molly Homes across the North East in the future.”

To date, The Middleton Foundation has purchased seven homes, predominantly in the North East, supporting 15 residents. The partnership with PfP marks a significant step forward in scaling this vital work.

Lucy Middleton, Operations Manager of Molly’s Project said: “We are delighted to have Places for People on board and know they will be a valued partner of Molly’s Project, building on the important work we have already been doing with the YMCA.

“What makes this partnership so powerful is a shared belief that everyone deserves a home for life. It gives us the scale, expertise and long term stability to grow Molly’s Project and strengthens our ability to create real, lasting change, ensuring more people with autism and learning disabilities have a safe, permanent place to call home.”
Together, PfP and The Middleton Foundation will work with local authorities, families, and care providers to identify, purchase, and adapt more homes that meet the Molly’s Project criteria.

For more information or to support the campaign, visit the website.