Recognition for Innovative Community Project

Published by 792 for Housing 21 in Communities and also in Housing

A sheltered housing scheme in Bristol has been named as winner of the most innovative idea in a Live Active awards competition. Field Marshall Slim Court in
St. Judes received the title in Housing 21’s competition to highlight their most active housing schemes.

The award is in recognition of the partnership the scheme has developed with Redwood House, a hostel for homeless people which is situated next door. The mutually beneficial initiative involves the residents of Redwood House carrying out the more physically demanding tasks in the garden of Field Marshall Slim Court. In return they get to benefit from some gardening tips and knowledge from their neighbours.

Housing 21, a leading provider of housing, care and health services for older people, launched the competition through their residents’ magazine, Full House, last autumn.  The idea was to find schemes where residents are working together or with local agencies to create opportunities for taking part in a variety of activities, either within the scheme or in the local community.

Field Marshall Slim Court impressed the judges by the links the scheme has forged with Redwood House. Possible future projects between the two groups include reminiscence sessions, the growing of vegetables and development of an art mosaic for the garden.

Commenting on the success, Ruth Kavanagh court manager at Field Marshall Slim Court said: “The aim of the project is to break down barriers and build social cohesion between the generations. Working together in this way brings mutual benefits for both groups.”

Poppy Villiers-Stuart who runs the project at Redwood House added: “This project has been so beneficial to our residents. Many of them lack confidence and self-esteem, and are generally very alienated from the wider community, so gardening with Slim Court residents helps them to realise that they have something to offer, and that they can develop friendships with people outside their normal social circles.”