20th June 2019
Press Release
Local Assisted Living Schemes win Awards
Two of Eden Housing Association’s assisted living schemes have gained recognition at this year’s Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) Awards Ceremony.
The Crescent, Clifford Road, Penrith and Heysham Meadows and Gardens in Carlisle, both received recognition in an award system open to almost 25,000 retirement housing schemes or developments nationwide. The Crescent won Bronze in the regional category for 31 – 36 units, with Heysham winning Bronze in the 56 units and over category. Cumbria falls into the North West region which also includes Manchester and Liverpool, making it serious competition.
The awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate the best specialist housing for older people, and aim to help shape the future of housing in later life through engaging some 19,000 residents, staff, visitors and volunteers who were all able to vote for their favourite scheme out of the 1,220 nominated between 15 November 2018 and 28 February 2019. Tenants and staff were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Manchester, with Jennie Bond, journalist and TV presenter as guest speaker.
John Galvin, EAC’s Chief Executive, explained the importance of the awards: “Specialist housing for older people plays an enormously significant role in helping them stay independent for longer. The security, support and great communities have a positive impact on individuals and reduce the need for NHS services.”
Gill Walton, Supported Housing Manager for EHA said: “We’re thrilled to have won these awards as it means that staff, residents and visitors are really happy with the schemes.”
June MacDonald, resident at The Crescent, Penrith, echoed Gill’s enthusiasm: “I’m so pleased to hear that The Crescent has won this award. I really enjoy living here and it’s great to see that the EAC awards recognise that it’s among the very best there is!”
John Barrett, resident at Heysham, echoed June’s comments, adding “You have everything you could wish for at Heysham. There’s support if you need it, the staff are caring, the community spirit is tremendous, and we couldn’t wish for a better place to live”.
For more information on The Crescent or Heysham Gardens and Meadows, contact Gill Walton, Supported Housing Manager on 07841 864982.
About EAC
Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) is a national charity that helps older people meet their current of anticipated housing and support needs. Its popular website HousingCare.org is visited each day by some 17,000 people, and profiles all retirement housing schemes and care homes in the UK.
Heysham Tenants at the Awards Ceremony
The Crescent tenants after receiving their award
