A former Burton brewery cooper says he has been given a new lease of life thanks to a new scheme run by Burton housing association which means he can continue to live independently.
Reg Atkin, 85, grew up in Burton and worked as a cooper at Bass Brewery in the town. Last year, he moved into his own self-contained flat at Chestnut Grange, in All Saints Road in the town. Trent and Dove Housing manages the flats after joining a national campaign to help residents living in supported housing.
Mr Atkin moved into the flat after his daughter, who lives out of the area, suggested it would be perfect for him because there would be people on hand to help if he needed it after having hip replacement surgery.
The Trent and Dove scheme is part of the Starts at Home, which is now in its second year and is run by the National Housing Federation. It offered supported housing to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people so they can regain their independence and confidence.
Supported housing means there is help on offer from housing staff and he lives close to other people with similar issues.
Mr Atkin said: "All I have to do is breathe and walk about. I have everything I need here and nothing is too much trouble. It's so lovely to know that there's always someone around here to chat to, even if it's just a quick hello as you pass in the hallway."
Bosses at Trent and Dove Housing have said without Chestnut Grange, Mr Atkin could have lost his independence and become isolated. His family can take comfort knowing that he now has a community around him and a dedicated care team, said a spokesman.
Mr Atkin said: "It's company when you want it and tomatoes growing on your veranda. The freedom to come and go as you please. I'm well looked after here, all I have to do is breathe and walk about."
Ursula Bennion, chief executive of Trent and Dove Housing, said: "Here at Trent and Dove we are proud to be part of the Starts at Home campaign. As a result of our investment in both supported accommodation and telecare services, we have seen fire-hand the benefits they can provide.
"By creating housing that offers security, support and peace of mind we're enabling all of our residents to lead their lives as independently as possible.
"We firmly believe that supported accommodation plays a vital role, not only within individual lives but also that of the wider community and urge the government to secure this essential funding stream."
Trent and Dove's support comes as uncertainty surrounds the future funding of supported housing. The National Housing Federation and its members are campaigning to persuade the government to commit to ensuring that every person who needs extra support has a home that meets their needs.
David Orr, chief executive at the National Housing Federation, said: "Supported housing helps provide people to live independently and achieve their aspirations in a safe and secure home. It is a critical time for supported housing; we must highlight how vital a lifeline it is to so many vulnerable people and show Government why supported housing should be put on a secure and sustainable footing for the future."
