Supported Housing Scheme Celebrates 20th Anniversary
A housing scheme which provides support for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and physical disabilities across the North West has celebrated its 20th Birthday.
Rowlands Lodge, which is based on Liverpool Road in Chester, marked the milestone by hosting a celebration party for residents and staff.
Since opening in 1994, Rowlands Lodge, which is managed by Muir, has supported over 62 people with a variety of disabilities, offering a range of services to meet their individual needs.
Residents at Rowlands Lodge have their own home with a personalised support plan from staff, who help residents fulfill their potential by learning life skills and accessing other services within the community such as colleges, care agencies and other organisations.
Christine Williams has been a resident at Rowlands Lodge since it first opened in August 1994.
“I’ve not only enjoyed living at Rowlands Lodge, but I am more independent,” Christine said.
“The years have flown by, and I’m always happy to call it my home. Rowlands Lodge will always have a strong place in my heart.”
Virginia Young, manager of the project, has worked at the scheme since day one and was full of praise for its residents.
She said: “I am so proud of what our residents have achieved here at Rowlands Lodge over the past twenty years. Their enthusiasm and energy is a great inspiration to us all - it rubs off on the staff, making it a great place to both live and work. We have had a lot of fun and it’s always lovely to see ex-residents and how well they are doing.
“It’s been an amazing twenty years and Rowlands Lodge will continue to build relationships that will enrich the lives of our residents.”
Mark Pearson, Head of Housing and Support Services at Muir said:
“Rowlands Lodge has been a real success story for Muir. Everyone who visits the scheme always comments on the great atmosphere and you can sense that everyone enjoys living there. That’s testament to the continued hard work and enthusiasm of our staff, whose help and support allows our residents to live as independently as possible. ”
Rowlands Lodge also recognizes the achievements of its residents. In recent months, certificates have been handed out to residents who have completed courses in Social Skills, Health and Wellbeing, Fire Safety and Food Hygiene.
This year the Rowlands Lodge Annual Cup, which is given to a resident who has made an important personal achievement as well as an invaluable input into the project over the year, was presented to resident Ruth Davies
Ruth has been a resident at Rowlands Lodge for just over a year, and was praised for her contribution to the scheme and for completing her courses.
Virginia added:
“Ruth loves joining in with everything here and everyone has appreciated the contribution she had made to life at Rowlands Lodge. She is the present Tenant Rep and she is always willing to show people who are thinking of coming to Rowlands Lodge around the scheme. Her enthusiasm is infectious.”
If you would like more information about the support offered by Rowlands Lodge, please contact Virginia Young on 01244 381119.