Issue 100 23.03.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Communities join forces to discuss plans OLDER people from Birmingham’s Lozells, Aston and Handsworth areas came together to discuss plans for a flagship cohousing scheme that will enable them to design and live in a purpose-built community development. Housing 21, a not-forprofit provider of housing for the elderly, met with older people from Lozells to discuss proposals to transform the derelict site of the former 20-storey Clyde Tower apartment block in Chain Walk into the organisation’s first cohousing project. As Covid-19 restrictions have eased, potential residents were able to meet with Housing 21 in person to review plans for the new development, which will be built around their specific needs and requirements. Tony Tench, deputy chief executive for Housing 21, said: “For more than 50 years we have been building retirement living and extra care developments for older people of modest means to enjoy, and we are proud of what we have achieved. “However, for the first time we are inviting people who we want to live in our properties to help us design them from the very beginning, enabling us to
tailor their homes, the wider site and the services to their needs. “Cohousing represents a major breakthrough in the future of housing provision by giving people more choice and control of their future home, as well as creating a sense of community amongst the residents who will come together to bring their vision to life. “This is about more than providing a quality property for people to live in; it’s about creating a community of older people that is integrated with the wider community of Lozells.” At the latest consultation, approximately 20 people attended to discuss ideas about what features they would like the development to include, which have now been submitted to Birmingham City Council’s planning department. In addition to 25 one and two-bedroom apartments which will be available for social rent, the application includes a residents’ lounge/ multi-faith room, landscaped communal garden, parking and an allotment area for residents to grow their own vegetables. The scheme will also include a common house area with a kitchen and open space.
Home shows its support to local club
Care home residents and staff let their hair down, dressed up in Red Noses and glasses, donned crazy hats, wigs, feathers and pom poms, and enjoyed lots of games and activities to raise money for Comic Relief. The day of fun at Colten Care’s 21 homes in the south included cupcake sales, singalongs of vintage comedy songs, hair dyeing sessions, fancy dress parties and exercise bike challenges. Operations director Elaine Farrer said: “Our residents and team members don’t tend to need much excuse to dress up and have fun. We are always delighted when Red Nose Day comes round and we can all get involved and show our support. It’s all about giving vulnerable and disadvantaged people the chance of a better future.” Resident Frank Coumbe is pictured in front of the giant red nose at Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst.
AN EDINBURGH care home has shown its commitment to helping nurture Scotland’s future rugby stars by taking out a year-long sponsorship with a local team. Helping to subsidise travel costs, pitch maintenance and equipment costs, Cramond Residence’s contribution to Stewart’s Melville RFC comes at an exciting time as the club resumes regular matches following more than a year of restrictions. The club currently has three XV squads, with the first and second XVs playing in competitive national leagues and has produced 15 international players since being founded in 1973. The first XV are geared up to play in the Tennent’s National League, Division 2. Christian Daraio, client liaison manager and registered nurse at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Residents, past and present, have been sport enthusiasts, players in their lifetime or have children or grandchildren involved in the game now. “We’ve already had one of our residents attend a complimentary whisky tasting and are looking to get those that are interested down to watch a few games in the better weather and experience the game day atmosphere. “We’re delighted to support Stewart’s Melville as they progress into an exciting 2021/22 season and are looking forward to the year ahead.” The club’s Mini section, the Stew Mel Lions, is one of the largest, with 340 boys and girls turning out at Inverleith every Sunday.