Gold for South Essex Homes' Sheletred Housing Scheme

Gold for South Essex Homes’ Sheltered Housing Scheme

South Essex Homes has struck gold at the ‘National Housing for Older Peoples’ Awards 2011 where the Great Mead sheltered housing complex was named ‘Best Retirement Home in the UK’ for its size.  

Organised by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel, the awards recognise the best sheltered accommodation across the UK as voted for by the residents themselves.

Now in their second year, the awards attracted entries from 3,517 residents in 402 different housing schemes managed by 162 organisations.

The ‘gold’ award was awarded for sheltered schemes with 45-59 units and improves on the ‘silver’ award which Great Mead received last year.

Sheltered Housing Officer for Great Mead, Angela Wisken, said:

“I was delighted that Great Mead was nominated by our residents once again and that we’ve gone one better this time and clinched the Gold! Our residents are also winners of this award too because without their enthusiasm and support, Great Mead would not be the special place it has become.

“I hope that next year will see more of our residents putting their schemes forward as South Essex Homes’ sheltered housing is definitely some of the best in the country.”

The Great Mead sheltered scheme was built in 1986 and comprises 46 one bedroom apartments. It is just one of the twenty-two sheltered housing schemes that South Essex Homes manage on behalf of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.   

The award reflects the importance South Essex Homes staff place on empowering their residents to live independently for as long as they choose in their own homes. Staff at the organisation’s sheltered housing schemes provide guidance and support to help their residents maintain an independent life which includes enabling extra care, or even help with food shopping, gardening and learning new skills. 

Mike Gatrell, South Essex Homes Chief Executive, said:

“We are extremely proud to receive this gold award. The most satisfying aspect is that the nomination came from the residents of Great Mead themselves, who decided to put their scheme forward for this most prestigious national award.  It speaks volumes about the service our team of staff delivers at Great Mead and at all our sheltered housing schemes across the borough”.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, Councillor Anna Waite said: “Congratulations to the staff and residents for this tremendous award. We are very proud of the sheltered accommodation in our borough and of the dedicated staff who work there.  It is very pleasing to know that the residents of Great Mead feel so strongly about this that they took the initiative to nominate their accommodation.”

South Essex Homes frequently has open days at their sheltered schemes for people that are considering moving into sheltered accommodation. For more information, please visit www.southessexhomes.co.uk or call 01702 236196.