An extra care scheme in St Helens, Merseyside – which offers housing and on-site care for over-55s – has just won a national Housing Design Award in the HAPPI (Housing Our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation) category.

A report by HAPPI (Housing Our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation) – which gathers good practice in older people’s housing - recognised key design elements of Heald Farm Court in providing flexible and sustainable accommodation with care-ready packages to adapt to residents changing needs. 

The extra care development offers residents independent living, combined with access to 24 hour care and support, as and when they need it, provided by MHA Care Group. The schemes facilities include: apartments and bungalows, alongside landscaped gardens, a bistro, hairdressers, gym, communal area, laundry facilities and health and well-being centre, as well as a mobility scooter store and visitors accommodation. The development has a mix of different tenure options with apartments for rent, outright ownership, shared ownership and a ‘rent to buy’ scheme.

Heald Farm Court was completed in September 2009, in partnership with St Helens Council and supported by a £5.5m grant from the Department of Health. Helena Living is part of Helena Partnerships, a not for profit registered social landlord (RSL) which was formed in 2002 when it took on the ownership and management of St Helens 13,500 council homes. MHA Care Group is a major not-for-profit provider of care homes, housing and support services for older people.

More information about Heald Farm Court is available at: www.helenaliving.co.uk