£3.3 million housing boost for borough

12.45.19pm GMT Fri 9th Feb 2007

Forty one brand new flats offering 24-hour care for older people are in line to be built in the borough - thanks to a £3.3 million grant from the Government Department of Health and £2 million contribution from Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP).

The money has been granted in response to a bid by Richmond Council, Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust and RHP to provide high quality, affordable housing in which residents can live independently. There will also be the added reassurance of round-the-clock specialist care and support.

The scheme is expected to offer 34 units for social renting and seven flats for sale. There will also be guest rooms available for relatives. Homes will benefit from the latest telecare technology - a remote emergency monitoring service - to ensure that residents are safe at all times. The scheme will also host PULSE, a new centre for residents and the local community. The centre will offer preventative services to ensure the good health of residents. Services will include nursing and health care activities as well as personal care, including hairdressing and chiropody. It will also provide a local shop, café and a variety of social activities. The properties will be managed by the Richmond Housing Partnership.

Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, Cllr Denise Carr, said:??"This grant is excellent news. The scheme will be the first of its kind in the borough - providing first-class accommodation and 24-hour care. Many older residents want to continue living in their own homes, but need extra help to do so. This scheme will help residents live independently, but there will be on-the-spot support should they need it. We will now continue to work with various partners to see how best we can use this money to the benefit of local residents. "

David Done, Chief Executive from Richmond Housing Partnership, said:

"We are delighted that our partnership with the Council and others has delivered this amazing opportunity for people in Richmond upon Thames. There is a pressing need for well designed, good quality, affordable accommodation for older people for both rent and sale. This scheme will enable us to offer something much more than just a home - building a real community in which older people take an active part and are valued."