Support and kindness shows to residents of apartments vulnerable to coronavirus

Housing 21’s Bransdale View in Helmsley has been overwhelmed with support from its close-knit community in the midst of Coronavirus.
Staff rally roundStaff rally round
Staff rally round

The court, which offers independent living with access to on-site care for people over the age of 55, has been open for a year but has experienced kindness and generosity from local businesses in the past week as well as dedication from its employees who have gone above and beyond.

With strict instructions in place at the court to ensure residents are kept as safe as possible from the virus – including restrictions on visitors and closure of the onsite bistro and salon - the extra help to restore some normality for residents has been vital.

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Direct Imaging, a Malton business, travelled 20 miles to the court to drop off more than 300 toilet rolls after hearing that many of the residents could no longer get out to go shopping for basic necessities.

Plus, local bakery Thomas the bakers delivered lots of delicious treats for the residents such as freshly baked bread, scones and cakes.

Staff at the court have been busy walking residents’ dogs, keeping residents’ company - at a safe distance - while their family are unable to visit, and assisting residents to place food orders from local Helmsley shops that are offering deliveries to those in need.

One member of the Housing 21 team, Anne Gordon-Hartley, spent hours seeking cleaning supplies for residents due to shop shortages. Anne has also loaned some furniture items and a TV to a new resident who has no furniture, to help him stay entertained and comfortable through the isolation.

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Andrea Brazil, housing and care manager at Bransdale View said: “I’ve been amazed by the support from the community, it’s lovely to see. We’ve even had members of staff coming in on their days off to help because they knew we would be busy.

"We’re really focusing on keeping community spirit high and ensuring residents have things to do, supplying them with crosswords and games. The court will be holding an Easter bonnet competition with a twist this year, asking residents to use what they have in their apartments and to leave their entries on the shelves outside of their homes to be judged.

Bransdale View is a mixture of one and two bed apartments, home to 48 residents, in Helmsley, North Yorkshire.

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