Afternoon tea and song for residents on the move
Brunswick Village Extra Care development is now complete after eighteen months of construction, bringing a new iconic landmark to the Brunswick neighbourhood. Residents currently living at Elizabeth Yarwood Court are looking forward to their upcoming move.
To mark the occasion, a socially distanced celebration of afternoon tea and live music was held (on Thursday 25 March) for residents who are due to leave sheltered housing scheme Elizabeth Yarwood Court (EYC), in place of the usual party that could not go ahead due to the pandemic.
As part of the event organised by Onward Homes’ sheltered housing scheme specialist Donna Shaw, residents were entertained by former The Voice contestant, Kim Carroll, who sang a wonderful selection of classic favourites to residents in the EYC garden.
Kim’s appearance was in aid of Alzheimer’s UK and residents were keen to add to the donation made by S4B. The sun even made an appearance, so everyone was able to enjoy their goodie box of sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats in the warm spring sunshine.
The majority of residents currently living at EYC have chosen to move to the new Extra Care scheme, Brunswick Village – an all new, one and two-bedroomed apartment development for the over 55’s, with on-site facilities such as a bistro, hair salon, scooter storage, gardens and patio areas and even a roof-top garden with amazing views over Manchester and beyond. There are also many on-site care and support facilities should they be required.
Donna said: “Most residents have lived at Elizabeth Yarwood Court for many years and never expected to need to move again so late in life. But the move is a positive one and they are really looking forward to it.
“The choice has been entirely theirs, and although they have not been able to see the new properties due to covid until now, we have been there to support them throughout the process. We have shown them plenty of pictures and Onward even produced a short film to keep them up to date on progress.
“Now Brunswick Village is complete, we have been able to take residents in to see their lovely new homes. The look on their faces has been priceless, some have even been lost for words! I’m so happy for them and pleased I will be transferring over to the new scheme to continue working with them. We’re like one big happy family”.
Resident, Mrs Marina Machin, 86, said: “I am really looking forward to the move to the new place even though I never thought I would ever be moving again at my age. But I am very excited – it looks like a lovely posh hotel. And I won’t be on my own as most of us are moving over together which makes me very happy. I have made some lovely friends here at EYC and look forward to making more new ones.
“Donna and the team have been amazing as always in keeping us informed and supporting us every step of the way. We have felt totally reassured and could not have asked for more. A million thanks to Donna and I’m so glad she will be there to join at the new place when we move”.
Chief Executive of Onward Homes and a board member of S4B, Bronwen Rapley, said: “We are delighted that Brunswick Village Extra Care is now complete. It is the final piece of the jigsaw in the Brunswick regeneration project.
“This fantastic modern facility with wonderful roof garden and views across Manchester will be a lovely home for the residents moving from Elizabeth Yarwood Court, and also for any new residents coming to the area”.
Brunswick Village is a Manchester City Council (MCC) Extra Care Housing scheme delivered in partnership with S4B – a consortium made up of four specialist organisations, Onward Homes, Vistry Partnerships, Mears and Equitix.
Day Care centre facilities are provided by Age UK Manchester and care provision by CRG.
For more information, or to make an application please visit the S4B website