Games, gardening, computer skills and social groups were among the activities offered to residents and visitors at the Grange View Independent Living Hub open day.
The event celebrated Stroud District Council’s latest older people’s Hub, and showcased charities and organisations that offer advice, activities and friendship to residents and their neighbours, including Age UK, SGS College, Gloucestershire Carers Hub and SDC’s neighbourhood wardens.
Grange View in the Uplands area of Stroud is Stroud District Council’s fifth Independent Living community hub to be completed as part of an £8million project to modernise and rebuild its housing schemes for older people to ensure they meet the needs of an ageing population.
Renovations were carried out by Beard Construction to a design by architects Kendall Kingscott and included a full refurbishment of the kitchen and lounge to create a large, open space which makes it an ideal venue for social activities.
An all-weather canopy was constructed over the patio to enable residents to make use of the far-reaching countryside views; the residents’ laundry and guest room were renovated, and scooter stores and charging facilities were installed.
Residents impressed by the customer service provided by Beard commented: “We were kept very well informed and always knew what stage they were at with the work,” and “they were very helpful, nothing was too much trouble.”
Cllr Mattie Ross, SDC Chair of Housing attended the event. She said: “Strengthening and supporting our communities, so people feel included and connected is one of the key priorities in our Council Plan.
We will continue to invest and deliver the programme to modernise our Independent Living homes for older people.”
Vice Chair of Housing Cllr Lucas Schoemaker was also at the event. He added:
“This was a wonderful event that demonstrates our Older Person’s Strategy in action. Our Independent Living Hubs provide good quality older people’s housing which meets a variety of current and future needs.
The presence of so many voluntary sector organisations showed the effort by so many to include all ages and abilities.”
Speaking about the work, Beard Swindon director Jamie Harwood said: “Beard is a family firm with a 130-year history, and we are proud to be part of the communities we work in.
“Modern assisted living spaces demand the very best environment for their residents, and we are proud to have delivered amazing new, light-filled, open-plan shared living areas and other facilities which will enhance the wellbeing of the residents in eight of the council’s retirement housing facilities.
“As well as encouraging more community activities, the new spaces provide up-to-date communal cooking and dining facilities, the latest in AV equipment and laundry services, improved guest accommodation and upgraded outdoor spaces.
“We are pleased to have delivered these enhanced spaces as part of the Stroud District Council framework – and are delighted to have already started new work at another assisted living centre under competitive tender as part of the same framework.”
Other Stroud District Council Independent Community Hubs are at Sherborne House in Stonehouse, Concord in Nailsworth, George Pearce House in Minchinhampton and Springfields Court in Cam.
If you would like more information about community events at any of Stroud District Council’s Independent Living Community Hubs, or would like to hold a group or volunteer at one please contact Katherine Allen, Community Hub Facilitator by email at Katherine.allen@stroud.gov.uk or by phone on 07792 420069.