First Views of Older People’s Scheme in Essington as Planning Permission is Sought

South Staffordshire Council will soon consider whether to grant planning permission for the development of new homes for older people in Essington. The scheme, put forward by South Staffordshire Housing Association was supported by much of the community and existing residents at consultation events held earlier this year.

Sue Rowley, Managing Director of South Staffordshire Housing Association said: “The multi-million pound scheme is to provide high-quality homes at an affordable cost. We have consulted widely in the village and most people are very pleased that there will be more homes for older people. We have even already had people ask if they can go onto a waiting list for the new apartments.

“During the consultation one or two concerns were raised about parking and where we would put trees. We have worked closely with the local community and our architects to address these issues and we hope that the final designs will reassure and please people. If we are granted planning permission, we will be meeting with interested local residents again to discuss the finer details.”

The new scheme is to be built on and around the site of the existing Park House residential complex. Former resident Mrs Oakley said today: “The plan is brilliant. The new scheme will have all the facilities we need. We can’t wait for it to happen.”

The new £7m scheme could change the face of housing and support for older people in Essington and indeed South Staffordshire as a whole. Both rented and shared ownership apartments will be developed to cater for a wide range of older people, providing aspirational affordable living. If permission is granted the development will include:

• high quality 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for older people, each with its own kitchen and bathroom;
• a health and beauty room, hairdressing salon, internet access, residents’ club room and alfresco living space;
• an upper floor lounge and open-air terrace to take advantage of the exceptional views and the landscaped gardens;
• ample parking for residents and their visitors; and
• arrangements for support, care and health services as well as visiting amenities, like hairdressers and chiropodists.

If it goes ahead, the Essington scheme will be finished in 2010. The number of older people in South Staffordshire has grown by over 27% in the last ten years. This trend will continue and accelerate. By 2011 it is predicted that one in five people in South Staffs will be over 60 years old. It will be one in three by 2029.

(Released 23rd June 2008.)

Sweet PIL for South Staffordshire Housing Association

South Staffordshire Housing Association has won a National Housing Federation award for its Project Independent Living (PIL). The innovative project, launched in 2005, has significantly cut waiting times and the average cost of adaptations enabling customers with mobility problems to quickly and efficiently get much-needed support.

Talking at the awards ceremony’s West Midlands’ final, Mary Griffiths the Chair of South Staffordshire Housing Association and Shirley Turner an active member of the Association’s Tenant Partnership explained that for most people dignity begins in the bathroom. Needing help to bath or to use the WC can be deeply humiliating, but with the right aids and adaptations can be prevented.

In two years Project Independent Living has enabled more than 1000 people to live independently at home, rather than rely on relatives or friends. It has reduced waiting times for major adaptations from two years to three months; and reduced waiting times for minor adaptations from twelve months to just 7 days and this has had a major impact on the dignity and quality of life for customers. It has also reduced the average cost of major adaptations by 40%.

The lynchpin of the improved service is South Staffordshire Housing Association linking its asset management strategy into the district council’s priorities and objectives. This is then underpinned by a change in delivery that includes the provision of an in-house occupational therapist who not only spends time focusing on the Association’s cases but who has also trained customer services staff to make their own assessments, thus cutting down on red tape, time and money.

Sue Rowley, Managing Director of South Staffordshire Housing Association said: “Project Independent Living illustrates how you can make a significant difference just by thinking about a process in a different way. Our customer satisfaction levels are at 100%, the local authority is happy because we have saved them money, and we are pleased to provide a seamless and extraordinary service to our residents.”

Presenting the award, Gina King of National Housing Federation said: 'The National Housing Federation Neighbourhood Awards showcase the positive work that Housing Associations do, and the major contribution they make to the communities which they serve. The Project Independent Living (PIL) significantly enhances the lives of many people allowing them a degree of independence and dignity that would not be possible otherwise. My congratulations go to South Staffordshire Housing Association and I wish them every luck when they represent the region at our National Awards ceremony in September.’

Project Independent Living will now go through to the national awards in September.

(Released 30th June 2008)