Introduction
Perry Lodge is an enhanced sheltered housing facility in north-east London, home to vulnerable, disabled, and elderly individuals. Our residents, typically over 55, require some support while maintaining their independence. Enhanced sheltered housing reduces the strain on care homes by offering support to those who do not need full-time care.
Unfortunately, budget cuts have eliminated many of the supportive services and activities that once prevented isolation and loneliness as well as support and referrals fir various medical needs among our residents.
Housing associations face significant challenges due to limited funding and support from external agencies and the government. These austerity measures strain the essential services we provide, affecting the quality of care and increasing costs for our residents, who often have very limited incomes. To address these challenges. Many housing associations have merged; Perry Lodge now falls under Notting Hill Genesis, a result of the Notting Hill Housing and Genesis Housing merger.
We Are Trying to Make a Difference
The government, councils, housing associations, and other agencies have left our elderly, vulnerable, and disabled residents to fend for themselves due to financial cutbacks. This has jeopardised their quality of life, leading to increased loneliness and isolation along with needed services that residents are not accessing. Despite these challenges, our dedicated committee has taken the initiative to support our community. We assist residents with benefits, organise activities, beautify our living spaces, and foster community engagraftement.
(pictures above show a movie night organised by the committee, and resident BBQ)
(above pictures show Tai Chi lessons organised by the committee for the residents, plus the greenhouse we were able to build from funding, and the area before the greenhouse).
Moving Forward - How Perry Lodge Committee and Residents Will Provide Activities, Events, and Services for Quality of Life
Our plan includes:
- Becoming financially sustainable through social enterprises or fundraising to pay for activities, sponsor events, and advocate for our residents.
- Organising activities and events.
- Developing a computer centre and TV area for residents.
- Refurbishing our library and games room.
- Building support systems to help residents receive benefits and resolve issues related to their benefits and housing.
(Picture above is our library room that needs refurbishing)
Vision
We aim to empower residents within the shelter system by bringing services, support, and activities to our community through:
- Sustainable social enterprises or fundraising efforts.
- Partnerships with housing associations.
- Relationships with various agencies and social services.
- A volunteer group.
- An ongoing relationship with the neighborhood.
Our Commitment to You
To our contributors, we promise:
- Quarterly summary reports with pictures.
- Transparency with our finances and how funds are spent.
- Contact information for support and references.
(pictures above show work the perry lodge committee has been doing, including setting up information sessions with NHG to go over service charge increases, grocery shopping for the residents unable to do so and helping residents with obtaining their blue badges)
Straight Talk: The Unwell Taking Care of the More Unwell
In the past, the vulnerable, elderly, and disabled have been provided with at least some form of support. Today, much of that support has been withdrawn, leaving many isolated in their flats. We believe this is unjust. Our community has been abandoned, and we aim to change that.
Our Funding Goal
We are seeking £5,000 or more to create a sustainable system that fosters a vibrant community and enhances the quality of life for our residents. This is something we all wish for our grandparents, parents, and relatives.
How We Plan to Use the Money
- £2,000 – Invest in a social enterprise and fundraising initiatives.
- £1,500 – Organise activities and events.
- £1,500 – Advocate for and support residents in applying for benefits, paperwork, blue badges, etc.
(pictures above show the perry lodge bootsale which was set up by the committee to raise funds)