New home transforms life for Shrewsbury family

A Shrewsbury family has described the life-changing impact of moving into a new, specially adapted home designed to meet the needs of their six-year-old autistic twins.

For parents Elena and Robert Armitt, day-to-day life had become increasingly challenging as Harrison and Aiden struggled in a shared bedroom environment. Their needs meant they would often unsettle one another, impacting the whole household, including them and the twins’ half-brother, 16-year-old Luke.

Over time, the pressures began to affect family routines and overall wellbeing, prompting the family to seek support from professionals, including the boys’ occupational therapist.

It was recommended that the family would benefit from a larger home where the twins could have bedrooms of their own, alongside spaces tailored to their individual needs.

Working closely with the family, Housing Plus Group was able to provide a new home that met those needs.

Situated on the Group’s Battlefield Road development in Shrewsbury, the house has been specially adapted throughout to meet the twins’ needs.

Since moving in just over a month ago, Elena says the difference has been “incredible” for the family.

She said: “I can’t even begin to put into words the difference our beautiful new home is making to us all already.

“The change has been incredible. For the first time in their lives, Harrison and Aiden have their own bedrooms and own space. Before, they would wake each other up during the night and none of us were getting the sleep we needed, and it was starting to take its toll.

“But now they’re sleeping so much better, which is helping us all. It’s making a huge difference to us as a family.

“The twins typically struggle to adapt to new environments, and we were worried about how they would be, but they’ve settled in amazingly well.

“Despite it being such a short space of time, the house really does feel like home already. I think because it was specially adapted to our needs, that has also helped with that feeling but also the transition.

“Before moving in, I felt constantly on high alert but now I feel more at ease, I can’t put into words how much this means to us as a family. I’d like to thank everyone at Housing Plus Group for going over and above for us.”

Elena says the twins having separate bedrooms has not only improved their sleep but has also given them the opportunity to develop their independence, enjoying being in spaces tailored to their own needs and personalities.

Louise Weston, Housing Executive, added: “All of us at Housing Plus Group are very proud to have been able to support the Armitt family through providing them with their new home, which is better meeting the needs of Harrison and Aiden and already making a positive difference to family life.

“Every family deserves a home that supports them to thrive, and we're pleased to have played a part in helping make that happen for them.”

3rd July 2026