A new chapter has begun in Stratton St Margaret this month, as Milestones Trust celebrates the opening of its latest supported living service – the first of its kind in Swindon since the Trust merged with the White Horse Care Trust in November 2024.
Nestled within a quiet residential area, the newly developed service offers a warm and welcoming home for three individuals with learning disabilities. But this isn’t just another care facility – it’s a place where dreams are realised, friendships blossom, and independence is encouraged every single day.
The project represents a joint effort between Milestones Trust, a provider known for its compassionate and person-centred approach, and Places for People, the building’s owners. But perhaps most importantly, this new home has been shaped by the very people who live there. From choosing the colour schemes to personalising their own rooms, future residents and their families were involved from the start – making sure the building didn’t just look like home, but felt like it too.
One of the new residents, Charlie, couldn’t hide his delight.
“I am very happy in my new house, and I am excited about living with two friends,” he shared with a grin. “I like my new house and my bedroom is the best!”
The accommodation is more than bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a setting where people can thrive. Fully equipped with modern amenities and led by a dedicated team of trained professionals, the new service is designed to foster both independence and community. The team’s approach centres around the individual – empowering residents to make their own choices, live meaningfully, and pursue their goals at their own pace.
Charlotte Radford, the service’s manager, spoke passionately about what this development means:
“We are thrilled to be opening this new supported living service in Swindon. Our goal is to create a supportive and empowering environment where people can thrive, and I know this new service will demonstrate our dedication to improving the quality of life for those we support.”
That dedication has already made a huge impact. Just ask Claire, whose son Tom recently moved into the home after years of careful planning and hope.
“Ten years ago, Tom gave a PowerPoint presentation at school,” she said, smiling. “He was very clear – he wanted to live independently with friends and have a key to his own front door. Finally, that day has come.”
Claire and her family’s journey has not been without its challenges. Weekly two-hour commutes to get Tom to his new job while waiting for the house to be ready tested everyone’s patience – but the payoff has been worth it.
“The time spent travelling gave Tom and the support staff a chance to bond,” she explained. “And though stress levels were through the roof at times, it all led to this moment. Seeing him happy and settled, surrounded by friends and supported by such committed staff, we left feeling proud and confident about his future.”
She went on to praise the team at Milestones Trust, from front-line staff to those working behind the scenes, for their tireless commitment and care:
“The support – not just in helping him settle but in giving him the space to grow – has been exceptional. There’s a big period of readjustment for us, of course, but it’s made easier by the deep knowledge that this is exactly what he needed. We’re incredibly lucky.”
This launch isn’t just a win for Milestones Trust – it’s a triumph for the town of Swindon, offering a blueprint for what compassionate, high-quality supported living can look like.
With all of its registered services currently rated as either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, Milestones Trust is no stranger to providing excellence in care. This latest venture strengthens their mission to ensure that everyone they support has the chance to live with dignity, autonomy, and joy.
As the front door closes behind its new residents each evening, it symbolises far more than a roof overhead – it represents independence earned, friendships celebrated, and a community enriched by the people within it.
