A FLAGSHIP £13m Extra Care Scheme delivered in partnership by the Family Housing Association and Carmarthenshire County Council officially opens on Monday (Aug 15).
Cartref Cynnes, in Johnstown, Carmarthen, has 61 one and two-bedroom apartments for rent alongside a new day centre.
A fun day has been planned starting at 10am with refreshments on arrival, followed by the official opening at 10.30am by Welsh Government Minister for Social Services and Public Health, Rebecca Evans AM.
Supporting the Minister at the opening will be the Chief Executive of FHA (Wales) Ltd., Karen Dusgate, and Carmarthenshire Council’s Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health, Cllr Jane Tremlett.
A guided tour of the building will be followed by a buffet lunch in the restaurant.
An open afternoon of Cartref Cynnes is planned from 2pm involving music, arts and crafts and contributions from Cartref Cynnes Women’s Institute. Carmarthen Ukuleles will perform in the lounge, Splat Cymru will be offering hands-on activities for everyone in the crafts and hobby room and the independent retail outlets based at Cartref Cynnes and Radio Carmarthenshire will also be joining in the fun.
With pioneering cutting edge extra care principles, Cartref Cynnes opened its doors earlier this year meeting the needs of the community of Carmarthen and the surrounding area. The scheme also acts as a community hub with businesses and activities available not only for the people who live there, but also for the wider community. These include a shop, hair and beauty salon, hobby and craft room, a well-being room, a library and IT facilities and a licensed restaurant, all of which are open to the public as well as to residents.
Project Manager for Cartref Cynnes, Jill Pethick, said: “This has been a great opportunity for us to build on our successes in the field of extra care. We have created much needed facilities right in the heart of the community, which goes to show what can be achieved when different agencies work towards a common goal. We aim to create a vibrant hub providing much needed state of the art advanced facilities for the older generation and wider community of Carmarthen.”
Building on the success of earlier extra care schemes such as Hazel Court, Swansea, and Maes Mwldan, Cardigan – all part of an ongoing programme of excellence in extra care – Family Housing have been able to put experience to good use in designing the Johnstown addition to the family.
Head of Care and Support Services at FHA, Richard Batt, said: “Our extra care apartments are maintenance free and designed for older people. You can retain as much independence as you choose. You will have your own front door to come and go as you please but there are also shared facilities like a lounge area which is used as a meeting point and for social events; a restaurant, hobby rooms and other facilities that you can use when you feel like some company.
“Loneliness as we get older is a huge issue and our extra care housing offers neighbourly companionship in a friendly environment when you want it. In fact, many of our tenants tell us that they wished they had moved in years ago.”
Richard added: “All of our extra care homes are designed to be part of the local community rather than separate from it. Local people are encouraged to come in and use the facilities.
“Importantly, our extra care apartments are future proofed against any changing needs as you age, with a range of safety and security features so that you can live well, age well and stay well.”
Cllr Tremlett said: “Cartref Cynnes is one of two superb schemes delivered by Carmarthenshire Council in partnership with the FHA, providing 111 extra care apartments in Carmarthen and Ty Dyffryn, Ammanford.
“This vision of safe, secure and independent living is now a reality with a model of exceptional housing standards paired with outstanding care, as and when needed, provided by the council’s domiciliary care service.”
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