We took part in a national campaign to highlight the crucial role supported housing plays in keeping residents safe, boosting their wellbeing and helping them to continue living in their own homes. 

Mark Garnier, MP joined staff and residents at Berrington Court Independent Living Scheme as part of the National Housing Federation’s “Starts at Home” campaign, to talk about the services provided by the company and the benefits residents feel from living at the scheme. 

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. 

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. 

Mr Garnier was extremely interested in the range of activities available to residents across all of Community Housing’s Independent Living Schemes, 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.” 

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.