4 - £2million secured for Coseley extra care housing scheme

An extra care housing scheme in Coseley is one step closer after receiving a £2million funding boost.

Dudley Council is one of only two local authorities in the West Midlands to have successfully secured funding from the Department of Health for the development of an extra care housing scheme in the borough.

The funding will be used to introduce the borough’s second extra care housing scheme on Whitehouse Street in Coseley. The first scheme will be on the Russell’s Hall estate, Dudley, where building work is due to start in early 2009.

Both schemes, which will include a mix of private, shared ownership and rented apartments, will provide accommodation for people aged 55 or over.

They will allow residents to remain active and independent in the local community while having access to communal facilities such as a restaurant, library, conference room, shop, laundry, hobbies room, hair and beauty salon, and bar. There will also be a daily programme of activities as well as a dedicated on-site care team.

The council will deliver the first two schemes in partnership with housing association Midland Heart which will provide a complete package of care and support services.

Councillor Peter Miller, cabinet member for adult and community services, said:

“Dudley Council’s long term aim is to introduce five extra care housing schemes, one in each of the borough’s five townships by 2015 and this funding goes a long way in helping us achieve this.

“With this scheme we can help people aged 55 or over remain independent and active in their local communities with the comfort of knowing there is support on hand, if they need it now or in the future.”

The Coseley scheme is joint-funded by the Department of Health, the National Housing Corporation, Midland Heart housing association and Dudley Council and is due to be completed by the end of 2010. The next steps are to work with the local community to ensure the provision not only meets the needs of older people in Coseley but helps put in place facilities for all people in the local area.

Sara Beamand, head of the older people’s service at Midland Heart, said:

“We are delighted to have been able to help in securing the additional funding. We are passionate about promoting equality of access, independence and choice for every member of the community and this will ensure our customers in Coseley have access to a superb service that fits with their needs.”

News Release Contact Information

Name:	Vikki Marshall
Telephone:	01384 818332
Email:	vikki.marshall@dudley.gov.uk

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