Newtide Homes housing manager Tanaya Burnett (right) giving a presentation on Newtide's Housing with Care schemes across Suffolk

Independent living properties are a great solution that allow residents with care needs to still retain their independence – that’s the message from housing association Newtide Homes, part of Bromford Flagship.   

In late May, the housing association hosted a networking event at their Riduna Park, Woodbridge office for 17 health and social care professionals, housing specialists and community partners. The event focused on showcasing the benefits of independent living properties for older adults, as well as extra care housing for those with extra care needs where they require support to remain independent at home.

Newtide housing manager Tanaya Burnett said the day was both useful and inspiring, showing the positive impact of independent living.

She said: “It’s so important that we always put the needs of our tenants and communities first, and our Housing with Care schemes exist to respect the autonomy of tenants who want to continue to live independently but may need a little more support.

“It’s an under-appreciated option but it was so valuable to be able to share these with key figures within the local community who share our commitment to continue supporting people to live with dignity.”

All customers are provided with assured tenancies, meaning they have long-term security and the privacy of their own front door. They can also choose to use communal areas and take part in activities.

Attendees including health and social care professionals, housing specialists and community partners at Newtide Homes' Housing with Care networking event during a presentation by one of the day's speakers

Feedback on the session has also been extremely positive, with attendees praising the learning opportunity it offered (feedback given anonymously).

A housing coordinator from Stepping Homes, part of East Suffolk Council, said: “It was a really informative get-together, and I’m grateful to Newtide for organising it.

“We’ve all walked away feeling like we now understand that bit more about the system, and these wonderful extra care housing homes that are available.”

A representative from the Shaw Trust in Ipswich said: “This has been invaluable, and I’ve learnt so much about this. It was all really helpful, and it was so lovely and constructive to meet so many people within this sector”.   

Newtide currently owns four schemes across Suffolk, in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Saxmundham, and Kessingland, with on-site care support offered through a partnership with Ipswich-based housing association Orwell Housing. For more information on Housing with Care, visit: newtide-homes.co.uk/support-and-wellbeing/housing-with-care.