We both moved here 7 years ago and felt wholeheartedly welcomed by all the tenants.
Community living such as this, has brought many benefits to us, including a feeling of security and knowing there is always someone willing to help in times of need. We are lucky to have a communal courtyard with a seating area, around a tree, where we gather and spend time chatting, especially in the summer months. This is also a meeting point for special events organised by St Michael Housing for all the tenants of the Society, not only the ones who live at the cottages.
All these events are well attended and help contribute to the well being of everyone. This was even more relevant during Covid times when we all came out on our doorsteps with a cuppa so we could safely socially distance.
The cottages are in a great, quiet location being walking distance of the high street, with shops and restaurants less than 5 minutes away. There are lovely walks just down the road with the Abbey Slip and Promenade being on our doorstep.
The ages at the cottages are varied; retired, working and with children, which allows the generations to mix and share their life experiences which really helps to contribute to healthy living. Overall, we don’t feel isolated, but we have the privacy of our own lives which gives the tenants choices. Like many communities, it has its ups and downs but the benefit of having someone nearby and available for a chat is immeasurable especially for those living alone.
