Cheshire County Council has selected avantage to design, build and operate five Extra Care Housing developments across the county. Extra Care Housing provides extra support to people living in their own homes, the level of which can be adapted as their needs may change. The flexible approach to care enables the right level of support to be offered to individuals, giving them the opportunity to remain independent for longer.

Avantage is a consortium which is made up of Harvest Housing Group, MJ Gleeson Group and Nationwide Building Society.
Avantage will provide homes for over-60’s in Handforth, Ellesmere Port, Middlewich, Winsford and Crewe. Each development includes self-contained apartments, 24-hour on-call staff, a hair salon, library, I.T. suite, restaurant and village hall plus other innovative facilities for both residents and the wider community.

John Weeks, Director of Community Services, at Cheshire County Council said:

“These schemes will revolutionise the way in which we approach maintaining long term independence and support for our older citizens. Each development will provide not only a home but one in a real community environment where people will have access to a broad range of amenities and services that will help to maintain their independence in the manner of their choice.”

Ian Perry, Director of Avantage adds:

“Avantage will allow older residents to lead an independent life, in high quality surroundings with the level of support tailored to each individual and their circumstances.”

Each development will have a combination of properties to rent, buy and part-buy in a safe and secure environment. Each site will offer a range of social, cultural and physical activities for older people within the local community, whilst also providing a central point to access services.

The project was officially launched on Wednesday 7th November 2007 when key partner’s Avantage and Cheshire County Council publicly signed the official documents. The first development is due to open by end January 2009.

Avantage and Cheshire County Council are now keen to receive enquiries from people who may be interested in these Extra Care homes. If you would like to know more, whether as a resident or a volunteer, please call Avantage on LoCall 0845 618 5008 or email mychoice@avantage.org.uk