Support to recommission a kitchen and provide food services at an Extra Care Scheme
I am currently working as a Project Officer at Greenhill Housing Association in Harrow, where I am managing two initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of residents at Ewart House, our Extra Care Housing scheme.
The first project involves recommissioning the commercial kitchen at Ewart House to provide daily food services. Initially, this will cater to our 64 residents, their friends and family, and eventually extend to the wider community. The goal is to offer at least one hot meal and snacks each day, while creating a welcoming space for social interaction and promoting a sense of community and wellbeing.
To ensure this initiative is both cost-effective and sustainable, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with other Extra Care schemes that currently offer similar services. If you can share any information, contact details, or guidance, it would be incredibly helpful.
The second project focuses on establishing a wellness centre at Ewart House. This will include a hairdressing salon with weekly visits from a hairdresser, a space for a GP to hold weekly clinics, and services from a chiropodist and nail technician. The aim is to provide residents with access to health checks and pampering treatments in a dedicated space that supports their overall wellbeing.
Again, I would be grateful for any information, contacts, or support you can offer regarding similar wellness initiatives in Extra Care settings.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Jodie. I'm a retired former Head of the Affordable Homes Programme in the North East for Homes England. I recommend that you speak to Abbeyfield Housing. Abbeyfield have provided a communal meal for their residents of Extra Care and other supported housing for many decades so will have direct experience of how to set this up. Abdul Ravat is a senior development manager at Abbeyfield so should be able to provide some useful information on this. You should be able to find Abdul's details on LinkedIn. Good luck. Bill Carr.
