Over 55’s housing scheme helps former taxi driver live well at home

Ex-taxi driver Mike has been thriving in his new home at Birch Lea Park in Hattersley since moving in this summer.

The Housing with Care scheme, by Tameside Council and Onward Homes, opened earlier this year and offers Tameside residents aged 55 and over a home they can be proud of, with amenities and social opportunities under one roof. 

Birch Lea Park has 91 thoughtfully designed apartments and a range of on-site services, allowing residents to live independently whilst planning for the future. This means if people’s needs for care and support change, it is simple to arrange on-site care.

Mike, who moved from Denton, is settled into his new apartment and has been enjoying coffee mornings in the café bistro, playing games of pool, and even a fish and chip dinner.

As a former taxi driver who used to chat with people every day, he loves getting to connect with others through the social activities on offer and communal lounge.

He said: “It’s excellent to live here and the view I have is brilliant.

“The design is wonderful. The people who have planned it have done a lovely job.

“I’m peaceful, calm, and enjoying life. I’m meeting new people all the time.”

Mike is keen to retain his independence and have the freedom to live how he chooses but finds it reassuring to know that 24/7 on-site care provided by Creative Support is available should he need it. He praises the staff, such as his social worker Molly, from Tameside Adult Services, for being friendly and listening to his needs.

A highlight of Mike’s new home is the balcony, where he likes to sit and watch planes flying over and landing at Manchester Airport. He also enjoys the garden, storage for his electric scooter, and salon.

Mike added: “You lock your own front door – what more can you ask for? I’m sound as anything at night.

“I’m just happy with the way things are.”

Birch Lea Park is a major milestone in the 20-year regeneration of Hattersley and Mottram.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care Cllr John Taylor said: “It’s heartwarming to see what a positive impact living at Birch Lea Park has had on Mike and so many other residents’ lives, providing peace of mind for both them and their families.

“The modern design and wide range of facilities allow people to feel inspired and truly live well at home.”

Sandy Livingstone, Executive Director of Growth at Onward, said: “We’ve been working closely with our partners in Tameside to create high-quality, affordable homes that meet the different needs of local people as part of our wider regeneration of the area.

“Birch Lea Park is already making a real and lasting difference to people’s lives. Seeing customers like Mike thrive with a renewed sense of community is exactly why Housing with Care is so important.

“I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved here, and of the strong partnership working that has transformed a once derelict site into a thoughtfully designed, vibrant community where people can flourish.”

To hear more from Mike and explore Birch Lea Park, watch this video: https://youtube.com/shorts/usU3TIj6LbQ.

To find out more or register your interest in living at Birch Lea Park, visit https://www.tameside.gov.uk/supportathome.