Published: July 18, 2023
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber
A leading specialist care provider for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) has opened its third residential home thanks to seven-figure funding from Unity Trust Bank.
Lucy Fallon and Paul Constable established Ariya Neuro in 2015 to address a national shortage in suitable ABI support. They used the £1.6m funding to buy half an acre of land in Holmewood, near Chesterfield, in Derbyshire. This space will become a bespoke eight-bed property plus two adjoining bungalows.
The development, called Elizabeth House, offers high quality living accommodation, a gym and therapy rooms as well as therapeutic outdoor space including accessible gardens, wildlife pond and some chickens.
Lucy said: “People with ABI were leading normal lives before they suffered a significant injury, such as an accident or a stroke. Quite often they’re sent home from hospital without support or put into care homes which don’t suit their needs.
“We offer high quality care and effective rehabilitation to help people get their life back.
“It’s important that people are in a nice place while they recover, rather than feeling like they’re in an institution. The combination of an exceptionally kind and therapeutic atmosphere, highly skilled therapists and a conducive environment, ensure people can thrive.”
Lucy has a background in social care management with a Post Graduate degree in brain injury rehabilitation. Paul is a registered nurse. The pair have dedicated their careers to supporting people with brain injuries. They also own two residential homes in South Yorkshire – Clifton Court in Rotherham and Ariya House in Barnsley and a community supported living service (all CQC rated ‘Outstanding in all areas’).
Despite this proven excellence, the couple’s previous bank did not have an appetite to fund a third property, which impacted on Ariya’s ability to support more people in their recovery.
Lucy said: “We approached Unity for funding because they support the healthcare sector and there was a synergy in our value-base”
“We spoke to Mike Wicks, who is now our relationship manager. He was personable and genuinely interested in what we do and we knew we could work with him.
“We can phone Mike if we need something and it’s like he’s been on this journey with us, rather than it just being a transaction.
“Unity Trust Bank are very supportive. They give us space to breathe, because they know where our expertise is, which makes for a constructive partnership.”
Lucy and Paul employ over 100 staff. They are committed to looking after their workforce. As well as being a Real Living Wage employer, the company has been awarded Investors In People (IIP) Platinum status.
Lucy said: “Our workplace is what makes us special; it’s not just about developing the people who use our service, it’s about developing our staff too. If people feel properly valued, they can fully be themselves and flourish.”
Michael Wicks is a Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank. He said: “We support organisations that share our values and Ariya Neuro is a perfect example of this.
“Lucy and Paul have been awarded the highest CQC rating in terms of the care they provide. THey also get the highest IIP rating in terms of how they support their staff. This speaks volumes about the passion they have for making a positive difference to people’s lives.
“Elizabeth House is an impressive addition to their portfolio and we were delighted to support the project.”
Ariya Neuro Care has been recommended by Headway, the brain injury association. It can now care for up to 30 people across all three homes. They take referrals from across the country alongside their outreach community support services.
For more information on how Unity Trust Bank can support your business to grow, visit https://www.unity.co.uk/business-loans/.
