Exciting new housing and care scheme opens in Easingwold

Springhill Court, an exciting development of 39 extra care apartments for older people, was officially opened last week by Councillor Peter Sowray, Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council and local County Councillor for Easingwold.To mark the occasion Cllr Sowray was joined by tenants in the planting of a flowering thorn tree, chosen by the tenants to include in the communal landscaped garden.The scheme, which is managed by Housing 21 housing association with care and support provided by North Yorkshire County Council Adult and Community Services, replaces Tanpit Lodge elderly persons’ residential home. It provides high-quality independent living in self contained apartments, with access to 24-hour care and support to meet tenants’ changing needs over time, enabling them to live in their own homes. Developed in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and Hambleton District Council and with additional funding from The Housing Corporation and the Department of Health, Springhill Court was completed in December and provides 35 one bedroom and four two bedroom apartments. Each apartment is equipped with an en-suite bathroom with walk-in showers, a fully fitted kitchen including fridge/freezer, oven and hob, a door entry system with intercom, emergency pull cords in all rooms and wheelchair access throughout. High levels of insulation offer complete warmth and comfort. Housing 21’s director of new business and development, Tayo Bilewu said: “Springhill Court gives older people in Easingwold the opportunity to live comfortably in homes designed to meet their needs with the security of round-the-clock on-site care staff. We are pleased to see that our partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and Hambleton District Council has provided a scheme that will bring real benefits to the local community.” Langtry Langton Architects designed the court on the principles of progressive privacy, so access to the apartments is secure for tenants, whilst all of the communal areas and facilities are open daily to welcome the local community to benefit as well. The interior furnishings are modern and attractive to all ages, whilst reflecting the needs of older or disabled people, particularly in the use of colour to assist those with visual or orientation issues and level access throughout.Chris Metcalfe, Portfolio Holder for Adult & Community Services, said: ‘Extra Care housing is designed to allow people who are vulnerable to remain in their own home with care and support available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The aim is to promote independence, choice, dignity and respect while providing a safe environment.’Around 25 external delegates attended the occasion and had the opportunity to chat to the tenants over lunch as well as viewing the on-site facilities.Councillor Neville Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Housing with Hambleton District Council said “I am delighted with the scheme, which is a product of such effective partnership working between everyone concerned – it will promote dignity, independence and choice for older people.”Inside the purpose-built accommodation, which was constructed by Quibells, tenants and the local community have been provided with an on-site restaurant (Restaurant21 run independently by Barbara  Britton), shop (run by local volunteers), hairdressing salon (Mi Style run independently by Michelle Smith), communal/function/ activity lounges, treatment room (for chiropody, physiotherapy and holistic treatments) and accessible assisted bathing area.  These communal facilities are available for use by the surrounding local community of all ages and provide a range of activities and support networks for older people and other vulnerable adults, living locally, helping enhance links within the local communities.   


TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE PLEASE SEE THE NEWSPAPER

Full Article