At Housing 21, our residents come from all walks of life; some move into our properties from family homes where they raised children; others come from rented accommodation that no longer suits their needs, and some like Paul join us after being homeless.  

Paul, who lives in a Retirement Living scheme in Cambridgeshire, was staying with his sister before spotting a Housing 21 newspaper advertisement. Shortly after applying, he received a call from the Scheme Manager inviting him to have a look round.  

“Within half an hour or receiving the call, I was meeting with the Local Housing Manager,” said Paul. “It turns out that I knew them from school which immediately put me at ease and the rest is history. Moving here is the best thing to happen to me, it’s been a new start and I’m surrounded by such nice people.”  

Since moving in his flat two years ago, Paul has become a helping hand to other residents at the scheme and has even taken on the role of scheme chef. 

“It started with cooking Christmas dinner for other residents who might be spending the day alone and it grew from there,” he said.  

“I try and cook for my neighbours once a week, either a cooked breakfast on a Saturday or a roast dinner on a Sunday. 

“I really enjoy helping people and fixing things for them, and I say as long as they pay me in smiles per miles, I’m happy.” 

One of the benefits of living at a Housing 21 Retirement Living scheme is having a Local Housing Manager on hand to offer support.  

“I came here with nothing, but I’m slowly building my life and the Local Housing Manager has been awesome,” said Paul. 

“They are fair in everything they do and does everything in their power to help fix problems.”  

Find out more about Retirement Living and search for available properties in your area.