Choice Housing celebrated success this week with its residents, friends and family at a local scheme in Derry City. Lisnavar Court, based in the Waterside area, has offered sheltered housing to residents for the last 35 years and continues to play an important role within the local community.
Opened in 1983 by the then MP Chris Patten, the scheme presented 34 sheltered apartments in total with 23 single bedroom apartments and 11 double bedroom apartments.
Choice have 62 sheltered living schemes across Northern Ireland, all which are specifically designed to meet the needs of older people allowing them to live independently and privately in their own home within a safe and supportive environment.
Three long-term residents- Mrs Betty Johnston, Mr Eddie Burke and Miss Rosemary Ferry -celebrated at the event, which was attended by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr, John Boyle. These long-term residents have accumulated 53 years between them living at the scheme.
Today, Lisnavar Court has a thriving social scene with many residents taking part in weekly art classes, line dancing classes, supper clubs as well as engagement with other housing associations and community groups across the city.
Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive Choice said:
“We are proud to celebrate 35 years here at Lisnavar Court and it has been a pleasure hearing from residents and their own personal experiences. At Choice, we believe that sheltered living schemes reach far beyond bricks and mortar, offering tenants somewhere where they can feel safe and secure with every opportunity to live an independent life.
Tenants can also contribute to the wider community and that is certainly the case at Lisnavar Court. Strong relationships have been formed with a number of local charities and other housing associations in the area including AGE NI to ensure that residents feel that they are valued and part of something special. It is encouraging to see sheltered living schemes such as Lisnavar Court play a key role in enriching the lives of others.”
