Vulnerable people in south Bucks have been given a boost after a new five-year contract was agreed to provide accommodation for independent living.

Bucks County Council have renewed their contract with Hightown - a charitable housing association - to continue helping people with mental health difficulties.

The contract is part of the Options for Support programme (previously called the Home Options) and will last for at least another five years.

As part of the programme, significant numbers of people with mental illness in the county have been helped to move from registered care homes to being supported to live more independently in their own homes.

One such resident is 41-year-old Kevin Bilbey, who was moved from a care home to his own independent living flat in Stokebury House, Amersham.

Kevin said: "The support Hightown has given me has been fantastic.

"I didn’t know much about paying my own bills, cooking for myself or shopping. But they’ve helped me with all the skills I need to live in my own place.

"I’m now in a beautiful new flat, and it is lovely having my own independence.

"The staff still come to see me everyday to give me support – maybe just for a walk or a chat."

The project, which began in 2006, has already meant 87 people with mental health difficulties have moved into new homes, with most of them being supported to live independently in their own properties in High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury and Amersham.

Buckinghamshire County Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing Mike Appleyard said: "I'm delighted that Hightown have won the contract to carry on providing the excellent Options for Support service, giving people with mental health problems in the county the confidence and opportunity to live independently."