Sheffield sheltered scheme wins award

A housing development for retirement living in Sheffield has been named ‘Sheltered Scheme of the Year’.

Housing provider Guinness Northern Counties chose Loxley Court on Limbrick Close, Hillsborough, out of 11 contenders around the East Region, based on the overall running of the scheme, the well-maintained gardens and levels of resident involvement.

Managers Janet Shipman and Eric Pickersgill, who work for The Guinness Partnership to provide 24 hour support to residents at Loxley Court, impressed the judging panel with their team working skills to provide high quality support and a safe and homely environment for their residents.

This included maintaining and improving the gardens whilst involving residents in the maintenance of hanging baskets and decorative areas. Inside the scheme, information and advice is on display regarding vulnerability issues, walkabout information and a ‘Praise and Grumble’ book to air their views or suggestions.

Paintings done by residents hang on the walls of the scheme and a well-stocked library is kept refreshed. In addition there are numerous activities for residents to enjoy, including bingo, flower arranging classes and trips out together.

Joan Negson, 84, who has been a resident at Loxley Court for 13 years, said: “I can’t say anything wrong about the place, I really enjoy living here, we all get along, it’s a close community and we all support each other. The scheme managers are A1 in my opinion, they dedicate a lot of time and energy into Loxley Court.”

Scheme manager, Janet Shipman lives on site at Loxley Court, she said: “Eric and I work very closely as a team and we both feel this has helped to build a ‘community’ here. The best part of my job is the satisfaction of being able to help people to live as independently as possible and provide them with a happy, comfortable environment to live in.”