Guests gathered at Alder House last Wednesday (4 November) to celebrate the official opening of Southern Housing’s new extra care scheme in Roehampton.
The attendees enjoyed a tour of the 41-apartment scheme, listened to live music and marked the occasion by adding their hopes for the scheme's future to a decorative tree. Resident Kathryn, who recently moved in, joined Ward Councillor Daniel Ghossain to officially open the scheme with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Residents were joined by other representatives from Wandsworth Borough Council, including Rachel Soni, Director of Commissioning for Adult Social Care, as well as their friends and family, Southern Housing staff, and the on-site care and support team.
“I’m delighted to see such a strong sense of community already growing at Alder House, despite residents moving in just three months ago.
“Our hope for this scheme was that it’d be a community hub and we’re already well on our way. Today’s event is a great example of that, and we look forward to seeing the community continue to grow in the months and years ahead.”
Southern Housing worked closely with Wandsworth Council’s occupational therapists to put residents' needs at the heart of the development. Their input helped shape accessible, welcoming homes that reflect lived experience and go beyond minimum standards. Following the latest Habinteg design guidance, the scheme shows how thoughtful, inclusive design can make everyday life easier for wheelchair users and other residents.
Resident, Frances, moved from a flat which was unsuitable for her support needs.
"The flat is modern, warm and wheelchair accessible. If I want to get something from the fridge, I can, I couldn’t get into the kitchen in my previous flat!”
“My friends and family can see the difference in me, they can see I’m much happier and I sleep much better knowing I’m safe at night.”
Alder House, which is now almost fully occupied, was previously home to Pocklington Court, a home for blind and partially sighted people. It was redeveloped, helping to meet a range of housing and care needs in the borough and the extra care scheme now sits next to 54 new shared ownership homes. Together, the whole development has delivered 95 new homes to the area.
Southern Housing celebrates the opening of Alder House in the same year it marks its 125th anniversary.
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