An Extra Care Living scheme on Brown Edge Road in Buxton has celebrated its first few months in the community with a grand opening event.

Thomas Fields, a Housing 21 scheme, welcomed over 100 guests for an event that included a performance from St Anne’s Primary School, an unveiling of artwork created by residents and a tour of the scheme. There were also talks from Housing 21’s chief executive, Bruce Moore, as well as speeches from Derbyshire County Council and High Peak Borough Council.

Thomas Fields is just one of the new developments from Housing 21, which has plans to launch over 35 new Retirement Living and Extra Care Living schemes across England in the next three years. The organisation has one of the largest build programmes for older peoples’ housing in the country.

Zara Lewis, Housing Manager at Thomas Fields said: “We are so overwhelmed with the success of Thomas Fields. The grand opening event was held to celebrate how well Thomas Fields has integrated into the community and the happiness this new way of living has brought to our residents.”

Thomas Fields resident, Jeanine said: “We enjoy living independently in our own homes and partaking in a very sociable community. We also appreciate having a say in how the court is run. We wish to convey our thanks to all the friendly and cheerful staff at Thomas Fields who have made us feel at home over the last few months.”

Councillor Jean Wharmby, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: “We are committed to helping older people lead dignified, fulfilled lives for as long as possible.

“That’s why we’ve worked with partners to draw up an older people’s housing and accommodation strategy to ensure we have the right homes in the right places across Derbyshire.

“Thomas Fields is a shining example of where partnership working is helping older people live independently but with extra care housing offering flexible care that’s tailored to their future needs.

“The care facility also offers specialist dementia care beds, respite care and community support beds which can prevent people from going in to hospital or help them when they are ready to leave.

“We’ve very excited about Thomas Fields and feel it will be an excellent addition to the community.”