News

Our Lloyd Court housing with care scheme recently celebrated its 20^th birthday – with two centenarian tenants leading the party!

100 year-olds Pattie Knopp and Marion ‘Bubs’ Wilkinson were named ‘Party Queens’ at the scheme celebrations (all socially distanced, of course) in High Kelling, Norfolk.

Opened in 2000, Lloyd Court provides 40 self-contained flats, each with 24-hour access to care. The housing with care scheme allows older people to live independently and yet still receive the individual levels of care they need.

Tenants and NorseCare staff at the scheme joined Pattie and Bubs for a socially-distanced party to mark the milestone, with tea, cakes and entertainment.

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Pattie, who moved into Lloyd Court just under a year ago, said:

This is the only place I would ever go to live. I was brought up as a very independent person, but I like having company as well, so the combination of those things here is ideal for me. 

It’s the best of both worlds; you have got your independence if you need it, you can shut your front door – but you know the care is here if you need it.

Pattie’s words were echoed by ex-Wren Bubs, who has lived at Lloyd Court for more than 4 years and who celebrated her 100^th birthday in June.

My daughter said I should go into a nursing home, but my independence is very important to me. I had seen Lloyd Court before when I used to visit a friend who lived here, so when I got a place here I was looking forward to moving in.

I haven’t been disappointed. I have my own flat, but receive lots of help and support from the staff here. I regard every single member of staff as a friend.  And I love having the flat to myself!

Broadland Housing Association chief executive Michael Newey, who joined tenants for the celebrations, said that marking the 20^th anniversary of the scheme was important, given the current Coronavirus restrictions.

Michael said:

In conjunction with NorseCare, we took the decision to go into lockdown early at Lloyd Court, and the staff have worked so hard to keep tenants safe. It was difficult for tenants not to be able to receive visits from their families, but all the staff have made a huge effort to keep everyone’s spirits up, which we really appreciate.

We partner with NorseCare to operate Lloyd Court. The scheme was rated outstanding for its quality of care by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its most recent inspection, with an overall rating of ‘Good’.

Following the easing of lockdown, our 8 housing with care schemes across Norfolk are once again accepting applications from potential tenants.  Find out more about the schemes and how to apply.

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Broadland Housing is supporting a project to provide ex-offenders with a stable home, and reduce the likelihood that they will return to crime.

The Housing for People Leaving Prison project was set up by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN) and St Martin’s. The project helps people released from prison to find accommodation, bring stability to their lives and reintegrate into communities. The National Probation Service (Norfolk and Suffolk) has now provided match-funding to extend the project beyond its initial 12-month term.

Broadland, along with Norwich City Council and the Norfolk and Suffolk Community Rehabilitation Company, will provide stable accommodation for prison leavers, as well as support to tackle the issues which make them vulnerable to reoffending.

A safe and stable home

Having safe, consistent accommodation can reduce the likelihood someone will reoffend by 20%, but prison leavers are at high risk of homelessness. With prison leavers making up 34% of demand for accommodation across the city of Norwich, the project will focus on that area and run until September 2022.

Reoffending can also be driven by drug or alcohol dependency, financial worries and lack of opportunity to earn money, complex mental or physical health needs, and being unable to access help and support to address these issues. A new Person-Centred Support Officer at St Martin’s will work directly with prison leavers to help them access mental, physical and emotional care, and support their reintegration back into society by encouraging positive activities and links with communities.

Michael Newey, Chief Executive of Broadland Housing Group, said:

I am really pleased that Broadland can play our part in this project. Broadland was established in 1963 to respond to homelessness, so this partnership work really does show our founding purpose in a very practical way.

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lorne Green said: 

Release from prison can be an overwhelming and challenging experience. Having access to help and support is vital in making a successful transition from a life behind bars to a crime-free one back in Norfolk’s communities.

I am delighted that this project has received the support of so many partner agencies – all committed to working together to stop the revolving door of offending and, ultimately, make our communities safer.

Person-centred support

Will Mills, Head of Resettlement Services at St Martin’s said: 

St Martins are especially excited to be hosting this new Person-Centred Support Officer role. For us, it represents a chance to offer something different: longer term, more involved and better tailored support for the most vulnerable people in Norwich.

Councillor Gail Harris, Deputy Leader of Norwich City Council and Cabinet Member for Social Housing, said: 

The needs of each individual are central to this project, and the expertise of each partner will ensure appropriate wrap-around support, so that those leaving prison have the best chance of moving on positively with their lives.

Steve Johnson-Proctor, Regional Probation Director for the National Probation Service in the East of England, said: 

We know the importance of giving people the opportunity to ‘grow roots’ by having stable and suitable accommodation – and that this is one of the key factors for reducing people’s likelihood of reoffending. If people are to be given the opportunity to change for good, they need a stable base to enable them to concentrate on their rehabilitation.

Find out more about Broadland’s work to end homelessness.

We are proud to support Norwich Pride 2020. The event is taking place virtually this year on Saturday 25 July. Access the online programme here.

As an official supporter of Norwich Pride 2020, we pledge our organisation will be a safe, welcoming, and friendly place for LGBT+ tenants and staff.

Broadland is a Stonewall Diversity Champion, which means we will visibly support and promote equality for LGBT+ people, challenge homophobic and transphobic behaviour, and have clear reporting mechanisms for harassment and discrimination.

We will ensure our staff are trained to understand the experiences of LGBT+ people and how to be a proactive ally.