A POPULAR teacher from Torfaen who suffered a double stroke has moved back to Cwmbran and become the first resident in the newly built adaptive bungalows.

Paul Scriven, 41, collapsed and suffered a double stroke in January 2009, which left him unable to move. He communicates through a voice computer or an alphabet card system with a relative or carer.

Mr Scriven, who was a geography teacher at Croesyceiliog School, had been living in Llanhennock Lodge care home in Caerleon but he has now moved back to his hometown.

Three adapted bungalows have been built in Cwmbran for residents with complex care and support needs, and Mr Scriven is the first to move in.

He said: “The move back to Cwmbran has been strangely surreal. It’s been a combination of wanting it for so long and it being very familiar, yet little things are different.

“All of my friends and family are so glad that I am in Cwmbran. Although it was very nice in Llanhennock, it was a little out of the way. I am already seeing the benefit, with people just popping in.”

The homes were built using £377,000 funding from the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund. The project was planned by the In One Place Health, Social Care and Housing partnership. This Gwent-wide project ensures landlords work closely with councils and health services to provide housing that meets the needs of patients.

Alan Brunt, chief executive of Bron Afon, said: “It was lovely to meet Paul and hear how happy he is living in Cwmbran. We love hearing how the homes we build make such a difference to people’s lives.

“This project involved working closely with our partners to build three high-quality homes and we hope to do more of this work in the future.”

Councillor David Daniels, executive member for communities, housing and anti-poverty, said: “It’s fantastic to see the tenants of the bungalows settling into their new homes where they can live close to their family networks.

“The design and adaptations of the bungalows allows each individual the opportunity of living independently within the community.”

Gareth Lane, senior nurse for continuing healthcare and safeguarding, said: “This project required a high degree of collaborative working between Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Torfaen County Borough Council, Torfaen Housing and Bron Afon.

“It is now very satisfying to see Paul in his new home and being able to access the community on a daily basis. This move has clearly had a positive effect on both Paul’s physical and mental wellbeing.”