Open doors at Birmingham sheltered scheme
The popular event raised awareness of Mercian’s six sheltered housing schemes across the West Midlands, which are managed by specialist care and support provider Circle Support. Throughout the day, Mercian staff were on hand to answer questions about housing options for people aged 50 and over and discuss the range of services sheltered housing offers to help older people live independently.
Sanah Khan, representing Lloyds Pharmacy, said: “The Open Day is a brilliant idea. We’ve had lots of residents coming to our stand for advice and information; people who otherwise can’t get out. It’s a great opportunity for us to talk to people in the community.”
Linda Timmins, sheltered scheme officer, added: ”We are all really excited about the event and it’s great to see so many people showing an interest. This is an important and useful event that should help to spread the word about sheltered housing and services available to older people in the area. We are passionate about enhancing the life chances of our residents and it is our goal to help the service users to be as independent as possible and make their own life choices.”
Sheltered schemes are open for people aged 50 and over, offering a range of services to help them live independently with the added security of having someone to call on in emergencies. Each of the six schemes has comfortable communal facilities, such as a shared lounge, laundry and garden and residents can enjoy regular social events and group activities to learn new skills and make new friends.
The event was supported by a range of local partners & agencies offering advice and information including: West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, City Save Credit Union, Lloyds Pharmacy; who were offering blood pressure tests and health advice, Wiltshire Farm Foods; promoting their home delivery service to vulnerable people, Tesco’s local Community Champion; promoting their ‘Five a Day’ healthy eating campaign, Carers Emergency Advice Service, financial advice from the Shard End Neighbourhood Office, Yardley Great Trust, Birmingham Community Health Care’s Podiatry Team, Penderels Trust, Mind, Ring & Ride, Stetchford Mobility and Community Links.
For further information please contact Maike Riedel at the Circle press office on 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circle.org.uk
