Bishop of Berwick Opens Henderson Court

The Right Reverend Mark Wroe, Bishop of Berwick, joined colleagues and people we support in the North East earlier this month, to celebrate the opening of a new supported living service in Berwick Upon Tweed.

Henderson Court sees the rejuvenation of an old care home, which has been renovated into ten, state-of-the-art, modern apartments. The opening event saw members of the community come together, joining the Bishop in welcoming their new neighbours.

Developed in collaboration with the YMCA, Northumberland County Council, housing developer, Safe as Houses, and construction partner, Balmont Ltd, the service will support people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes.

Marc Brodie, Managing Director for the North East and Yorkshire, said, “It’s fantastic to see the opening of our new Henderson Court service in Berwick Upon Tweed. Many of the people who will be moving in are moving back to the area after previously having to move over an hour away, so it’s brilliant to be see people returning to their communities, to be closer to their friends and families.”

He continued, “Our team have worked hard to ensure that person-centred plans are in place, giving people control over the support they receive and maximising their independence. We cannot wait for everyone to move in and to see the people we support thrive in their new homes.”

The Bishop of Berwick, said, “It was a real pleasure to witness the opening of Henderson Court. To see this place provide a home for ten people to come and have their own space, live independently, but also have the right quality of care that they need – it’s a real joy.”

Kim, family member of a person who will be supported at Henderson Court, added, “It’s fantastic! It gives him the freedom he really wants, but in a safe environment. And there are so many amenities nearby for him that it’s really going to be good start.”

Elaine Blackadder, Project Delivery Manager at Safe As Houses, said, “This was a fantastic project to work on and see the transformation from very run down apartments. It was a pleasure to attend the opening of Henderson Court and see how much it meant to the [people who will be supported there], especially when one excited occupant invited me into his apartment and showed me around!”

Dean Titterton, CEO of YMCA North Tyneside, said, “This new [service] goes to prove that working together in partnership with like-minded organisations can make help to deliver life-changing opportunities for people in our communities. Seeing the joy on residents’ faces makes every ounce of hard work worthwhile.”