Starts at Home Day, a national day to celebrate supported housing, got off to a flying start for North Star on Friday 30th August.

What a fabulous day it was, celebrating how supported living can enable people to live independently and with confidence.
North Star provides a large amount of supported housing. Some managed by its own staff and some managed by specialist providers.

North Star worked with tenants to organise local events to celebrate and promote supported housing.

One event at Rosedale Court was very well attended. Philip, who lives there said ‘I like it here. I have been here for 11 years. I moved here with my mam and she is 97 years old now. It’s great for us here.’

Another tenant, Steven runs a breakfast morning every Friday. Steven explained how it started as Tea and Toast and developed into breakfast buns and a cuppa for £1.70. Any profit is used to purchase more stock. Steven said, “We all come together and have a chat; it gets people out of their flat and prevents isolation”.

It is apparent from visiting Rosedale that the tenants living there have a real community spirit with a good vibe and energy. The tenants are working on other ideas to think of further community activities.

Aspen Gardens, our extra care scheme has self-contained apartments and bungalows. There is also an on-site communal bistro which is well used and brings people together over a tasty meal. Iris, who lives there, says how happy she is living in Aspen Gardens. She loves her apartment and has made many friends. One friend, in particular, Dot she describes as her best friend.

Iris feels safe and supported, she is happy that she can go for lunch and has daily contact with her friends and neighbours. Previously when living elsewhere she was isolated and lonely

Just three simples tales that speak volumes in terms of how supported housing makes a massive difference.