Raising the roof for new Extra Care Housing scheme in Yorkshire

Pilgrim Homes' supporters raised the rafters so roundly at a service of thanksgiving in Yorkshire last October that at times the person at the piano could hardly hear the notes she was playing.

The service at Mirfield Evangelical Church on October 18 2003 was to celebrate the Society's newly acquired site for a scheme for elderly Christians in the North. The extra fervour came from the sense of victory after battle, for it had not been an easy acquisition.

The Yorkshire Auxiliary had been working towards a scheme for elderly Christians in the North for more than 60 years, and it took more than two years to find a suitable, level plot of land in the hilly Yorkshire region. Then, after months of roller-coaster negotiations, Pilgrim Homes was almost pipped at the post by a national supermarket chain which had been eyeing the site for a new superstore.

The purchase contract had been written and was waiting to be signed, when the vendor telephoned to say that he had decided to sell to Tesco. Deeply disappointed, Pilgrim Homes Director of Property Services, Len Hope, prepared to pack away his two-feet-high pile of files, but the Yorkshire Auxiliary members were in no mood to take 'no' for an answer. They drew up their prayer battle lines and set to, like Joshua marching around Jericho. A little over three weeks later the vendor called again to say he had not been sleeping well, negotiations with Tesco had not been going as smoothly as he had hoped, and was the Society still interested? 'We could be', replied Len Hope guardedly. Talks resumed cautiously, and on May 19 the purchase contract for the Royd Court site was signed. Royd is a common-place word in Yorkshire. It derives from a word meaning to grub out, or to clear, and seems so appropriate for the new development that it has already been named Royd Court.

Meeting changing needs

It is the Society's first new-build project in over 12 years. It is also the latest adaptation in its 200-year history of meeting the changing needs of elderly Christians. When it was founded in 1807, living conditions were harsh and many elderly Christians lived in dire poverty. The Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society, as it was then known, helped by giving them small pensions, and spiritual support. Over the next few years it built sheltered housing, and then residential care homes with nursing wings. Today it has nine residential care homes, two with nursing wings, and seven with sheltered and very sheltered accommodation. The needs of the elderly have changed throughout the decades, but many are still facing old age with its frailty, and loneliness, all on their own.

New concept in care

In the last few years there has been a move away from residential care, to Extra Care Housing (ECH). It is a concept that finds favour with both the government and the elderly. It consists of self-contained flats in a complex with a care team on site 24 hours a day. The constant cover means that both scheduled care programmes and emergency needs can be met flexibly and cost effectively. The Government sees it as the best way of providing care for elderly people who cannot fund themselves, mainly because it costs local authorities less than fees for residential care. ECH also helps them remain independent and in their own homes, while at the same time receiving the same level of care they would in a residential care home: in effect, it is the best of both worlds. The bonus for elderly Christians in Pilgrim Homes' ECH is fellowship, and its pervasive Christian ethos. Every scheme has three levels of local support: its fundraising auxiliaries, Home Visitors ensuring there are no lonely residents, and a Home Support Group giving pastoral care to the management team and staff.

Living in Royd Court

The vision for Royd Court is of a community for Christians over the age of 60. As well as catering for those with care needs, it will be a haven for those who simply want the security of knowing they have a home in a Christian community for the rest of their lives. As they grow older and frailer they can be helped without having to give up their homes and their mementoes - a very positive fact because as we grow older these precious memories and familiar surroundings are important to emotional and mental health. It is especially so for people with dementia, and statistics show that one in four people over the age of 80 will develop some form of it. The building and flats will be fitted with the latest technology to help keep sufferers safe and help support them.

Room for worship

Royd Court will have approximately 66 flats, a mixture of two bedroom, one bedroom and studio flats, available for rent or leasehold purchase. There will also be a restaurant and other communal rooms, some of which can be opened up into one large meeting room - an important consideration for Pilgrim Homes where services and Scripture readings are an integral part of daily life. The designs are being carefully thought through, from kitchen storage and worktop space with legroom below, to wheelchair turning space, and an individualised entrance for each flat. Many of the rooms and flats will overlook a central, courtyard garden, which will be a pleasant place to sit and meet when the weather is good. Building on the site is expected to begin towards the end of summer late next year, with the first occupants moving in during 2006. There is a lively interest in the flats and a number of people have already put their names down, including a forward-looking lady in her 90s. With more people living to the age of 100 or more, she may be making a very sensible move.

Another step of faith

Royd Court is one more step of faith in Pilgrim Homes' long 'faith' ministry. The Society does not send out appeals for money, and has always rested on its belief that God, who has provided all it has needed to care for his 'aged pilgrims' for nearly 200 years, will continue to do so. Estimated building costs for the new scheme are around £6.25 million, and the Society currently has £3 million in hand. Some of the outlay is expected to be recouped from the sale of leases for the flats, and a plot of surplus land on the site. Encouraged by God's over-ruling in the purchase process, everyone involved with Royd Court reflects Hebrews 10.23 - they are holding unswervingly to the hope they possess, knowing that he who promised is faithful.