The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Reuben Thompstone, arrived in Mill Hill this week to open Barnet Council’s £15 million extra care scheme, Ansell Court.
The scheme, built by contractors Rydon, has 53-flats which will be managed on behalf of the council by Your Choice Barnet. Ansell Court supports adults with extra-care and support needs to continue to live independently.
Councillor Thompstone said: “I am delighted to be able to open this scheme. Firstly, it’s a fitting tribute that the scheme is named after a local war hero, William Ansell who sadly died young. It’s wonderful that the residents who move into this scheme will now have support to live independent lives for as long as possible.”
One new Ansell Court resident, Judy, said moving to Ansell Court had been life-changing for her: “It’s a big change to where I was living before. It’s great to be here, have my own flat, but still be part of the community here if I need it. I am looking forward to the social events that the staff here organise so I can get to know other the other residents – I haven’t met my neighbours yet.”
Ansell Court is also a dementia-friendly scheme and the interior has been designed with this in mind. Walls are coloured-coded to help residents find their way around the scheme.
Each front-door has a shelf just outside that residents can put personal items on as mental triggers to help them find their way home.
On the ground floor, there is a hairdresser, a communal kitchen and dining area, as well as facilities for a coffee shop. This will encourage valuable social interaction between the residents of Ansell Court and the surrounding community.