VULNERABLE people across Tendring have seen their quality of life improve dramatically thanks to an innovative partnership between two councils and the social housing sector.

Social housing developer Ashley House, and One Housing worked with the Essex County Council and Tendring Council to create 130 new self-contained independent living homes for older people in across Tendring.

Rosebank Park, in Main Road, Dovercourt and Beaumont House, in Walton, enable people aged 55 or over with a care need to continue to live in a home of their own independently with the benefit of 24-hour emergency support on-site.

Now a video filmed at Rosebank Park this summer has captured how the lives of many vulnerable older people have been transformed.

John Spence, Essex County Council’s councillor responsible for adult health and social Care, said: “As a public body it is important we spend taxpayers’ money wisely, on issues that matter to our residents – like having somewhere safe, pleasant and supportive to live in later life.

“We are constantly re-imagining how we deliver services and working tirelessly to secure investment in the county that can help make Essex an even better place to live and work.

“The partnership between us, Tendring Council, Ashley House and One Housing to deliver these new homes for local people is a prime example of our innovative approach.”

Doreen Rutson-Kemp, a resident at Rosebank Park, said: “I saw it being built, but never imagined it was going to be anything like this. Everybody is so helpful, the people living here and the staff. There’s always something to do. I’m living a different way of live because of the people I’ve met.”

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council councillor responsible for housing, said: “We are very fortunate to have two sites providing this added choice of independent living homes within our district.

“Working with Essex County Council and One Housing has made this possible and I am sure that many vulnerable residents will benefit from this new approach. After all, most people want to maintain their independence as long as possible and this provides them with the opportunity to do that with the vital support they require.”

Tony Walters, chief executive of Ashley House, said: “These schemes demonstrate how the public and private sectors can work effectively together to provide solutions for both the UK’s housing crisis and the challenges surrounding our ageing population. We wish the residents a long and healthy life in their new homes.”

Rosebank Park opened earlier this year, and there are still new homes available at both sites.

For more visit,www.independentessex.co.uk, call 0345 6037630 or email socialcaredirect@essex.gov.uk.