War hero opens Trust's first extra care scheme
IPB advised on and co-ordinated the PR for
the launch of client Trafford Housing Trust's first extra
scheme, opened by tenant Bill Speakman, one of the few living
holders of the Victoria Cross.
The opening attracted coverage ranging from trade title Inside
Housing to regional TV Granada Reports, along with a host of local
weeklies and news websites.
Trust tenant Bill, aged 83, was honoured for his gallantry after he
saved six injured men and led a series of charges using a pile of
grenades in Korea in 1951, despite being injured in the leg
himself.
He performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open the
£4.3 million scheme in Tulip Drive, Timperley, with Court
Manager Helen Coyle.
Newhaven, which includes 20 homes for affordable rent and 18 for
shared ownership, was delivered in partnership with Trafford
Metropolitan Borough Council and through £1.9 million of
funding from the Department of Health.
David Barrow, Commercial Director at Trafford Housing Trust, said:
"We are incredibly proud of our first extra care scheme in the
borough and we thank our partners Trafford Council and the
Department of Health in helping us achieve our vision. It is a
remarkable achievement to have delivered this state-of-the-art
scheme during the current difficult economic climate.
"Newhaven represents the future of housing and care for older
people. It will allow residents to maintain their independence in a
secure environment within a strong community. The facilities will
also enable social and health care partners to offer support and
care according to peoples' needs."
