making a difference

The Middleton Foundation is a vehicle for philanthropy, whose purpose is to make a significant impact over time.

Molly’s Project

Molly’s Project was set up by The Middleton Foundation to provide social housing for people with learning difficulties and/or autism in the North-East of England.

The project was inspired by Molly Prince, the daughter of a close family friend of the Middleton family. Diagnosed with learning disabilities and autism at a young age, Molly faced multiple failed transitions from residential college into supported living. Due to a severe shortage of suitable accommodations, her health deteriorated, leading to her detention under the Mental Health Act. In response, the Middleton Foundation purchased a home for Molly and two others in Carlisle, where she now lives with daily support and care. This change has transformed the lives of both Molly and her mother, Claire, who had struggled for years to find her a safe and suitable place to live.

Molly’s experience shed light on the critical shortage of housing for those with severe mental challenges in the UK. As of 2025, the foundation has purchased 4 houses and are providing forever homes for 9 residents. They plan to invest in multiple houses over the next couple of years, housing up to 50 people, and to reinvest all rental proceeds into more.

If you have any questions on Molly’s Project, please email lucy@themiddletonfoundation.org.

What makes a ‘Molly Home’?

Forever-home

A permanent residence, where tenants and their families can be assured that it will be a lasting home for them. The Foundation plan to keep all homes for as long as the residents need them.

Involvement

Everything possible is put in place to make residents feel that a ‘Molly Home’ is their home, and the aim is to involve them in all decisions, for example how the property is decorated and furnished.

Security

A "Molly Home" is a secure and properly managed residence, created through formal agreements with the registered housing association, and any associated care providers. Maintenance reviews, health & safety reviews, fire risk assessments and resident surveys are all regularly conducted.

Fair

The Foundation aims to be fair to all stakeholders including residents, their families, their care provider and local authorities. They commit to never raising rents beyond any increase in agreed housing benefit.