WYRE Forest social housing landlord Community Housing has unveiled new independent living apartments for vulnerable older people.

The group has been taking part in a national campaign to highlight the role supported housing plays in keeping residents safe, boosting their well-being and helping them to continue living in their own homes.

Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier joined staff and residents at Berrington Court Independent Living Scheme in Kidderminster as part of the National Housing Federation’s “Starts at Home” campaign, to talk about the services provided by the company and take a look around brand new apartments.

Campaign organisers, the National Housing Federation, believe that quality sheltered and extra-care housing reduces hospital stays by supporting independence for vulnerable older people, preventing hospital admissions and ensuring timely discharge.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Mark Garnier talking to members of the “Men in Sheds” team about the work they do and one outside the new development. Mark Garnier talking to members of the “Men in Sheds” team about the work they do and one outside the new development. (Image: Community Housing)

Specialist housing for older people produces an annual saving to the taxpayer of around £3,000 per person through reduced reliance on health and social care services.

A range of activities available to residents across all of Community Housing’s Independent Living Schemes were showcased, designed to reduce social isolation and encourage healthy and independent lifestyles.

Matt Cooney, Community Housing Chief Executive said “We support over 2,000 customers in specialist accommodation, so we were really pleased to take part in this valuable campaign and highlight the impact supported housing has on wider health services too. We believe it is a vital part of the country’s health, care and support systems and can help to reduce pressure on NHS services.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Mark Garnier is given a tour of the new apartmentsMark Garnier is given a tour of the new apartments (Image: Jack Rawlins)

Mr Garnier also had an opportunity to take a look around Berrington Court’s second phase which is due to start welcoming new residents from the start of September and officially open in October 2022.

The £11m project attracted Homes England grant funding totalling over £3m.

The Scheme, constructed by Equans and supported by Kartar Consulting and architects Quattro and BM3, brings the number of one and two-bedroom apartments in the overall complex to 165.