Cultural celebration for extra care opening
Residents living in an extra care housing development in Delves, Walsall experienced a cultural extravaganza last week. The official opening of Deighton Court in Brockhurst Crescent saw staff adorned in colourful national Asian and Caribbean costumes when they were joined by the Mayor of Walsall, Cllr Garry Perry, to mark the occasion.
Joining the staff and residents in the cultural event were invited guests from Housing 21, Walsall Borough Council and Willmott Dixon. The visitors were also entertained by the Steel and Strings Band and had the opportunity to sample a multi-cultural variety of gastronomic delights.
Deighton Court, which provides 53 one and two bedroom apartments, is the final of five extra care housing schemes to be provided by Housing 21 under a £43 million project to re-provide older people’s housing across the borough.
One of residents who took part in the cultural experience was 72 year old resident Edna Timmins. Commenting on Deighton Court she said: “It is the best place I have ever been. It is so warm and cosy, the food is lovely, my flat is beautiful and the staff are so kind and helpful.”
Mary Bryce, regional services director for Housing 21 added: “The official opening was an exciting event for the residents, staff and guests and a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the partnership which has led to the provision of an excellent new extra care housing scheme here at Deighton Court and in other areas across the borough.”
The court provides a hairdressing salon, restaurant, hobby room, assisted bathrooms and guest room. There is also a day centre and rehabilitation/respite facilities at the scheme.
Councillor Barbara McCracken, Walsall Council cabinet member for social care and health, said: "Deighton Court is the fifth and final extra care housing scheme to open in the borough with the emphasis on encouraging residents in the whole community to socialise together."
For further information please contact Wendy Gornicki, Policy & Information Officer, Housing 21 on 0370 192 4338 or email wendy.gornicki@housing21.co.uk
Housing 21’s mission is to promote independence and choice for older people through quality care, health and housing services. It provides around 131,000 hours of care each week and manages 18,700 sheltered and extra care apartments, providing services to more than 31,000 service users.
Keep up to date with Housing 21 at www.facebook.com/housing21.co.uk or via our website www.housing21.co.uk, or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Housing21news
