Residents at Clement Court, one of Together Housing’s Extra Care schemes, are getting into the summer spirit with a seaside garden party. Showing their support for the Starts at Home campaign, Clement Court residents shared fond memories of seaside holidays at their social gathering ‘we do like to be beside the seaside’.
Reminiscent of an amusement arcade, residents swapped tokens for games, with tin can alley, hook a duck and lucky dip amongst the seaside favourites. Once prizes had been won they shared Pimms, before tucking into bags of chips and knickerbocker glories in true seaside style.
The seaside party was part of a week of activities which encouraged residents to come together in their communal space, showing the importance of socialising in a safe environment. Supporting the Starts at Home campaign, residents celebrated the unique benefits of supported housing, from supporting people with independent living as they get older, to residents rebuilding their lives.
Resident Mary explained why supported housing is right for her: “I wouldn’t want to live on my own. I like having people around me, and there’s lots of support here. I think it’s lovely.”
Together Housing’s Independent living officer Jane Bush thinks that supported housing is more than just a home: “Supported housing is not just about providing a house for people; it’s about providing an environment where it’s fun, happy and everybody can come together.” Jane believes that bringing residents together for social gatherings is an important part of supported housing, “I love my job, and days like today make it special for everybody.”
The Starts at Home campaign aims to demonstrate the value of supported housing, with Clement Court residents gathering together to show how important it is to them. Starts at Home day will take place on Friday 1 September 2017 before MPs return to parliament in September, with contributions from a variety of housing associations and politicians endorsing the value of supported housing. Find out how you can get involved.