Plans to improve Enfield’s Housing with Care Offer for older people have received a significant boost, following a successful bid for over £9.4 million funding.
The development of the new Extra Care Housing scheme, based in Winchmore Hill, will provide up to 91 fully accessible, self-contained, affordable homes, subject to planning approval. The service will offer 24-hour site-based care for people who wish to live independently but may also require additional support.
Thoughtfully designed communal facilities, including a library/IT suite, lounges, activity rooms and a hairdressing/treatment room, will sit at the heart of the scheme to help residents to socialise. In addition, residents will be encouraged to lead healthy, active and sustainable lives, supported by sensory gardens and an allotment space.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, said: “This innovative project will increase the local supply of high-quality housing in the borough and ‘raise the bar’ in respect of Enfield’s offer to people with support and care needs in later life. For some, it will provide an alternative option to residential care. For others, it is an opportunity to down-size to a more accessible environment, better suited to meeting their housing, care and support needs.”
James Murray, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development at the Greater London Authority, said: “The Mayor and I are delighted to support Enfield Council’s plans for new specialist housing for older people. This project will help improve quality of life for some of London’s older and disabled residents, enabling them to continue to live independent lives.”
Funding from the Mayor’s Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund aims to increase supply of specialist homes for older and disabled Londoners and help them access well-designed, accessible homes with appropriate levels of care, so they can live independent and dignified lives.
Work is now underway to progress site plans in Enfield, shaped by the views of older people and their carers. An open afternoon is planned over the summer months for local people to view and comment on plans at an early stage.