Synergy Housing Unveils New 'Extra Care' Apartments in Blandford
The broadcaster and travel writer, Valerie Singleton OBE opened Synergy Housing’s new extra care scheme yesterday in Blandford, Dorset. Synergy Housing, in partnership with Dorset County Council and North Dorset District Council has completed the construction of a £6.5 million ‘Extra Care’ housing scheme situated just a few minutes walk from the centre of Blandford.
Mel Cook, Chair, Synergy Housing opened proceedings by thanking everyone for coming along, including the Mayor of Blandford, local councillors, representatives from North Dorset County Council, Dorset County Council and other partners involved in this new development. He commented “Trailway Court is one of three new extra care schemes that Synergy Housing has recently completed in the South West. Trailway Court has 40 self-contained apartments and cost £6.5 million to develop, which included grants from the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) of £2.15m and £1.7m from the Department of Health.”
Valerie Singleton OBE, a Dorset resident, has a keen interest in supporting initiatives for the elderly, and has been involved in the development of a computer specifically aimed at older people called Simplicity. Valerie Singleton remarked “There has been a lot of news recently about care and the ageing population, which has emphasised that most of us want to stay in our own homes as we get older. Here at Synergy Housing’s Trailway Court people can live in their own homes, but also have their care and support needs met when needed.”
Trailway Court provides a total of 40 one and two bedroom apartments, for residents who wish to retain their independence but have the reassurance that should help be required then assistance is close at hand. Each self-contained apartment includes a fitted kitchen, video entry system, walk-in shower, as well as incorporating the most up to date ‘telecare’ technology, with pull cords and personal pendants linked to a care line so that the care team can be alerted in an emergency.
“Synergy Housing is delighted that this scheme is now ready for occupation”, said Amanda Williams, Synergy Housing’s Director of Business Development. She continued; “We were keen to encourage a sense of community spirit within this development, so although each apartment has its own fitted kitchen, we have also create a “country-style” community kitchen, as well as a community dining room and lounge.”
Dorset County Council Adult and Community Services are providing planned care and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week according to the residents’ needs and requirements. A spokesperson for Dorset County Council stated "that this development was a prime example of what can be achieved through successful partnership working."
The Trailway Court development is part of a long term investment programme by Synergy Housing to provide affordable ‘Extra Care’ housing throughout Dorset and the South West; other schemes being officially opened this month include Lion Oak Court in Andover and Delphis Court overlooking Poole Harbour.
Notes to Editors
Scheme and official opening photographs are available to view on http://www.flickr.com/photos/synergyhousing/sets/72157626989425651/
For high res images please contact communications@synergyhousing.co.uk
High quality video footage is also available please visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/SynergyHousing
Contact:
Gaye Boyman
Synergy Housing
T: 01202 308664
M: 07824 431731
gaye.boyman@synergyhousing.co.uk
Synergy Housing
Synergy Housing is one of the largest affordable property management and development organisations in the South West, managing 9,000 properties across Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Synergy Housing has a remit to build and manage homes for affordable rent or sale, reinvesting any profits into improving its service delivery and development projects.
People and their welfare are at the heart of Synergy Housing’s business, which has led to the development of care and support services for vulnerable adults.
In the changing economic climate, and significant pressure to create more homes, Synergy Housing is actively engaged in the redevelopment of old and unused properties, working with property developers and other organisations to build more homes at a high standard for affordable/social rent or sale
www.synergyhousing.co.uk.
Synergy Housing now has 6 Extra Care Schemes in the South West, with a further three official openings taking place at Delphis Court, Poole (28th July) and Lion Oak, Andover, Hampshire (22nd July).
Who is eligible for an extra care apartment at Trailway Court?
Priority will be given to people who are over 60 (or over 55 with a disability) with care needs or whose health and well-being would benefit from living in a supported environment. Applicants will need to be on the North Dorset District Council housing register (www.north-dorset.gov.uk).
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Development Details
Local Authority: North Dorset District Council
Housing association: Synergy Housing
Architect: PRP Architects
Contractor: Rok initially, Mansell completed
Number of homes: 40
Cost: £6.48 million
Completion date: March 2011, officially opened on 13 July 2011
The Scheme. The extra care housing scheme is a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for affordable rent. The extra care housing allows people to live as active and as independent lives as possible, living in their own homes with support tailed to individual needs. The scheme includes communal facilities such as dining room, lounge, hairdressing salon, assisted bathroom and kitchen.