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A better quality of life
Emmeline Yockney

spacer At the tender age of 91, it could be forgiven for thinking that Emmeline Yockney might not want to move, but the former company book keeper can’t wait to be handed the keys to the new apartment Sovereign Housing is preparing for her.

Like many residents in St Donat’s, Mrs Yockney finds it difficult to get up and down stairs, and needs help from her daughter to cope with the old-fashioned communal laundry area.

But Sovereign is currently building a £10m complex of 85 apartments for the over 55s on former NHS land in the centre of Newbury. The scheme, called Carnarvon Place, features 63 two bedroom and 22 one bedroom homes, meaning more older residents will be able to have relatives staying over.

As part of a relocation package worth up to £5,400, Mrs Yockney and 72 other residents are being offered more spacious accommodation, with extra security features like CCTV at the entrances, and secure storage for motorised scooters. Residents enduring communal laundry facilities will get their own washing machine.

“I will have a bigger kitchen and bigger bathroom,” says Mrs Yockney, who’s been resident with Sovereign since 1992. “Nearly all of us are going from here, so I will still see my neighbours, but most importantly I can live an independent life.”

Around 80% of residents at three Newbury sheltered schemes have registered an interest in the new apartments, along with older people in large family homes, freeing these properties up for those on the waiting list.

Supported Housing Manager at Sovereign, Phil Just, adds: “Our team of staff involved has done an excellent job with the consultation, and we have been overwhelmed with the positive response to our proposals.”

Published 27 September 2005
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