Getting the housing offer right for older people: Dreywood Court, Romford

This Housing LIN Case Study no 91 looks in detail at the local strategic objectives for investing in extra care housing and the outcomes achieved to improve access to quality onsite care and support so that residents lead more fulfilling social lives. Research carried out in Havering amongst the voluntary sector and the Borough's over 65s, identified that loneliness and isolation significantly contributed to poor health and poor social care outcomes. The investment in Dreywood Court was in response to this research.

Designed by architects Penoyre & Prasad, and developed by Willmott Dixon on behalf of East Thames and the London Borough of Havering, Dreywood Court is a mixed tenure, 98 unit retirement community designed specifically for residents aged over 55. The scheme comprises 78 homes for social rent, 20 homes for shared ownership, an onsite care and support service and a wealth of communal facilities common to extra care housing schemes of this size. It has been recognised for its outstanding design for people aged over 55. It was featured in Inside Housing's prestigious list of the Top 50 UK Affordable Housing Developments in 2014 and took home the Sunday Times award for Best Supported Housing Development 2013