Natalya Anderson, 15, uses a wheelchair and needed a home that could better support her day-to-day care and independence. Her family’s previous home was not suited to her needs, with limited space and access making everyday family routines more difficult. It also did not have the adapted facilities she needed to be supported safely, comfortably and privately at home.

For Natalya and her family, this made ordinary routines more difficult than they should have been, affecting privacy, independence and the time they could spend together comfortably at home.

When a property in Burnfoot, Hawick, became available, SBHA assessed whether it could be adapted to meet Natalya’s needs.

Working with the family, Borders Care and Repair and an Occupational Therapist, SBHA explored options for creating a safe, suitable home and developed plans for a tailored extension with a specially adapted bedroom and bathroom, storage space and ramp access to support Natalya’s day-to-day independence.

The adapted home now includes the space, facilities and access Natalya needs to live more comfortably and independently with her family, while helping them remain in the community they know and love.

Natalya’s mum Ashley said: “It’s been a very emotional journey. This October will mark 12 years since we first started trying to find a home that could properly meet Natalya’s needs.

“Having the right facilities at home matters so much. We were grateful to have access to the showers at Wilton Swimming Pool, but it was never the same as being able to support Natalya’s personal care safely, privately and comfortably in her own home. It was very upsetting for her, and difficult for the whole family.

“Our new home has already made life so much easier. Natalya has more space, she can spend time with us in the living room and kitchen, and the ramps outside mean she can get safely in and out of the house independently. It gives her freedom and helps her to be part of everyday family life.

“SBHA really took this on and worked hard to find a solution for us. It has made such a difference to Natalya and to all of us.”

Caroline Purcell, SBHA’s director of property services, said: “By listening to the family and working closely with partners, we were able to look carefully at the options available and develop a solution built around Natalya’s needs.

“We are grateful to everyone who worked with us to help make this possible, and hope it gives the family greater comfort, privacy and peace of mind in their everyday lives.

“The project involved a carefully planned extension designed by Stuart Davidson Architects, with the main works delivered by Hawick-based contractor Clamp & Pringle.

“As the scale and cost of the work required specialist support, funding was secured through the Scottish Government’s Major Adaptations Scheme, alongside investment from SBHA to help deliver a solution that met the family’s needs.

“By bringing together the family’s lived experience, specialist advice, funding, design expertise and construction work, this has helped create more than an adapted property - it has helped create a home where Natalya can live more safely, comfortably and independently, feel more included in everyday family life, and where the family can remain living in a community that they know and love.”