Lavender Court 'A Home NOT a Care Home

Chevin Housing staff and residents are delighted that Lavender Court is still leading the way as a flagship extra care scheme.

Sir Michael Parkinson who visited the scheme in his role as National Dignity Ambassador commented “this is what care for older people should mean”. He has also recently incorporated Lavender Court in to his latest document entitled ‘My Year as National Dignity Ambassador’ and commended the scheme as “a home not a care home” in a piece he wrote for the Daily Telegraph (16th January 2010).

Lavender Court has welcomed many dignitaries since its opening in June 2007 including David Behan, Director General of Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships and The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State.

It’s not just the guests and visitors who praise the scheme. During 2009, residents were thrilled to win the National Housing Federation’s ‘What we are proud of’ award for the Yorkshire and Humber region. The award was in recognition of what the scheme provides to residents and the surrounding community.

Lavender Court has also been approached this year to undertake an I.T trial which will give all residents access to high speed broadband services and the ability to get onto the internet from their own apartments. It also allows residents to try out video phones and they are looking forward to having a go on a Wii console!

Vicky Fenton, Assistant Supported Housing Manager at Chevin Housing said “Michael Parkinson’s visit to Lavender Court proved to be a memorable day for all involved. To know that Lavender Court and its residents had such a positive impact on Michael Parkinson shows that Lavender Court is a great example of extra care provision, providing choice and independence for older people in Barnsley”.

Photographed: Sir Michael Parkinson talking to residents during his visit to Lavender Court.