The open afternoons at four schemes run by housing provider Circle Housing Mole Valley and its care and support provider Centra will allow visitors to find out first-hand how sheltered accommodation promotes older people’s independence and wellbeing.
Residents and staff of Norfolk Court in Dorking and Lime Tree Court in Ashtead will be the first to welcome visitors on Saturday 31st October. Two more open afternoons take place at Chapel Court in Dorking and Southey Court in Bookham on Saturday 7th November.
The Chair of Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), Councillor Margaret Cooksey, will be among those learning from residents and staff about the benefits provided to older people and their families at Circle Housing run schemes across Mole Valley.
Julia May, 76, and her husband Edward, 78, are residents of a sheltered housing scheme run by Circle Housing Mole Valley and Centra Care and Support in Dorking. Julia said: “Living in a mobile home and with worsening health conditions, it became very isolated and sometimes a struggle to get out. We applied to move into sheltered and were absolutely over the moon when we were offered a flat. I cried when we viewed the property. The flat was wonderful and even decorated. This was going to change our lives. We were even allowed to bring our dog and cat which was such a relief.
“We have met some lovely new and old friends, have been able to do a little bit of work in the garden and we have everything close by so we don’t need to worry again. This has given us a new lease of life.”
Circle Housing and Centra run 16 sheltered housing schemes across Mole Valley, offering differing levels of support to meet individual needs and preferences. Applications for accommodation are processed by Mole Valley District Council.
Jackie Wilkinson, Head of Housing at Circle Housing Mole Valley, said: “Many people worry that their independence will come under threat as they grow older. Sheltered accommodation provides independent living and companionship in a safe and secure environment with the reassurance residents can get help quickly if they need it.”
“We’re opening up Mole Valley sheltered housing schemes run by Circle Housing and our care and support provider Centra to show how this kind of support helps our older residents like Julia and Edward to stay living independently. “
The open days take place between 2pm and 4pm on the following dates:
Saturday 31st Oct 2015 2 – 4pm
Norfolk Court, Dukes Ride, North Holmwood, Dorking, RH5 4TZ
Limetree Court, The Street, Ashtead, KT21 2BN
Saturday 7th November 2 – 4pm
Chapel Court, Church Street, Dorking, RH4 1BT
Southey Court, Eastwick Park Avenue, Bookham, KT23 3NE
Contact Circle Housing Mole Valley on 0800 634 9876 for more information.
Visit www.circle.org.uk/independence to find out more about care and support services provided by Circle Housing and Centra.