TV star to open Grand Union's unique dementia scheme

Published by Grand Union for Grand Union Housing Group in Housing and also in Health, Local Government

'Lewis' star to open Bletchley Park dementia scheme

Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and actor Kevin Whately, will be the guest of honour at the official opening of a pioneering new housing scheme in Bletchley Park offering support to people in theMilton Keynesarea living with dementia.

In his role as Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, the star of Lewis whose mother, Mary, died with dementia in 2009 will join those behind Flowers House, which is a unique partnership between Milton Keynes Council and Aragon Housing Association, part of Grand Union Housing Group.

Kevin Whately, has said: “Before my mother's diagnosis with Alzheimer's, I had heard of the disease, but hadn't known anyone who had suffered from it. I know how devastating Alzheimer's, and any form of dementia is for the person diagnosed and their families. I think Flowers House is a great addition to the services and support already available to people living with dementia in Milton Keynes and am happy to lend my support to its opening.“

Flowers House, named after Tommy Flowers, whose work at the world famous Bletchley Park led to the building of the famous code-breaking Colossus machine, is a £3.2m scheme, which will give 34 people their own apartment and offer the latest in secure round the clock care.

AileenEvans, Aragon’s Manager Director said: “This has been a truly unique partnership, one we were delighted to facilitate. We are proud this is going to show how important it is to invest in the provision of housing and support for the ever growing number of people who are living with dementia.”

Around 80 people, including residents and their families, will be at the opening on 26 October to celebrate the completion of this scheme. Among the guests will be Tommy Flowers’ surviving son and daughter-in-law.

The need for the scheme was identified by Milton Keynes Council’s Adult Social Care team, due to the increasing number of older residents living with dementia. It is intended to provide housing for residents, who have moderate needs, to allow them to live their lives as independently as possible, in a safe supported environment.

The scheme has been made possible with £2.4m of grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and has been built by Bellcross for Aragon.

Cllr Debbie Brock, the Cabinet Member responsible for Adult, Older Years and Health Services, Cllr Debbie Brock, the Cabinet Member responsible for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing , said: “Milton Keynes Council identified a need for such a setting which offers an alternative choice to the more traditional care settings. This partnership sees a pioneering offer for residents of Milton Keynes that we could well see being adopted around the country.”

The opening also coincides with the National Housing Federation’s Support Matters Month which highlights the growing need for support among older and vulnerable people in the community.

Ends

Photo opportunity: Photographers and reporters are welcome to attend the event which is taking place at 12.30pm on 26 October 2012. Kevin Whately, along with families and representatives of Aragon Housing Association will be available for interview.

Editors’ notes

Aragon Housing Association

Winner LABC Awards (Central) 2011

Finalist Sustainable Housing Awards 2011   

Aragon Housing Association is one of the largest providers of affordable housing and related services in Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties, managing nearly 6500 properties.

Aragon Housing Association is part of Grand Union Housing Group together with two other partner organisations: South Northants Homes, which is a leading provider of affordable housing and related services in the South Northamptonshire area, managing 3,000 properties and MacIntyre Housing Association, which provides specialist accommodation and support to people with learning disabilities.

Alzheimer’s Society

• There are currently 2,057 people living with dementia inMilton Keyneshowever only 38% of have received a diagnosis.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in theUKhave a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer’s Society works inEngland,WalesandNorthern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. It relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk 
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

For more information please contact:

Sarah Walker, PR and Marketing Co-ordinator

Grand Union Housing Group

Tel: 01525 844557

Fax: 01234 752112

Email: pr@grandunionhousing.co.uk 

www.grandunionhousing.co.uk