Tenants at Duns describe their new home as “life changing”

Trust Housing Association, Scottish Borders Council and Hart Builders have now completed their new amenity and extra care housing development at Todlaw in Duns, offering two different types of service designed for later years living.

The amenity service offers safety and security features and access to staff support if needed, while the innovative extra care housing provides 24-hour staff care and meal service. The care services are personalised to each individual and provide the flexibility to fit daily changes in health and activities.

Trust staff have spoken with some of the amenity tenants who live in the bungalows. The feedback is very positive. Mrs Lacey and her wife described their experience as “absolutely delightful and life-changing”, confirming they now have greater “independence and quality of life.” Mr and Mrs Walker added that it’s a “very good service”.

Trust Housing CEO Rhona McLeod said: “We’re very pleased that our first tenants are so happy with their new properties. Our aim is to make sure everyone who lives with Trust is receiving excellent service and receiving the care or support they need. We have an experienced staff team in place to provide this service.”

Hart Builders Business Development Director Gill Henry said: “Hart Builders is delighted to complete the first development in partnership with Trust Housing Association and see that tenants are already enjoying life in their new homes. The mix of bungalows and flats with communal facilities and generous landscaped grounds provides an attractive setting. The amenities and space will help to meet the changing needs of tenants. They will allow them to be as independent as possible.”

SBC’s Executive Member for Economic Regeneration and Finance, Councillor Mark Rowley (who also has responsibility for Housing), added: “The significant progress that Trust and Hart Builders have made against the particularly challenging circumstances of the past year is to be commended.  It is heartening to hear such positive feedback from the first tenants as they settle into their new homes.

“Expressions of interest remain open for the tenancies in the extra care housing properties, and I would encourage anyone looking to live independently and as part of their local community, with the comfort and security of knowing additional support and amenities are available, to get in touch and find out more.

“Trust has created a series of videos that are an excellent way for people to have a virtual viewing of the flats to appreciate the quality of the build and the range of services available. There is also an information pack and photos available on their website, and of course, you can phone our Customer Advice and Support Services team if you would like to speak to someone directly.”

Enquiries can be made by email to: duns@trustha.org.uk or the Council on 0300 100 1800.