Paul, who lives in a Retirement Living scheme in Cambridgeshire, was staying with his sister before spotting a Housing 21 newspaper advertisement. Shortly after applying, he received a call from the scheme manager inviting him to have a look round.   

Since moving in his flat two years ago, Paul has become a helping hand to other residents at the scheme and has even taken on the role of scheme chef. 

 

“It started with cooking Christmas dinner for other residents who might be spending the day alone and it grew from there,” he said. “I try and cook for my neighbours once a week, either a cooked breakfast on a Saturday or a roast dinner on a Sunday.” 

Resident with a mixing bowl in a kitchen
"I really enjoy helping people and fixing things for them, and I say as long as they pay me in smiles per miles, I’m happy."
"I came here with nothing, but I’m slowly building my life and the scheme manager has been awesome. They are fair in everything they do, and do everything in their power to help fix problems."
"Within half an hour or receiving the call, I was meeting with the scheme manager” "
"Moving here is the best thing to happen to me, it’s been a new start and I’m surrounded by such nice people."
Houses White

One of the benefits of living at a Housing 21 Retirement Living scheme is having a Local Housing Manager on hand to offer support.