Celebrating 20 years of Wellwood House
Tenants enjoyed a day of festivities and music at Wellwood House as the extra care housing scheme, located in Ringland, Newport, celebrated 20 years of housing, social care, and health on Wednesday 7th June.
To a backdrop of classical songs, sung by Newport Male Voice Choir and Bishpool community choir, tenants enjoyed a buffet lunch prepared by Wellwood Chef Debbie Channing and her team and reminisced about their memories over the past 20 years.
Attendees included the Mayor of Newport Councillor Trevor Watkins and the Mayoress, Mrs Catherine Karlson, Cabinet Member Councillor James Clarke and MS John Griffiths.
Councillor James Clarke said: “Wellwood House is built on the key values of working together, listening and appreciate all involved which builds a happier and healthier community. Thank you to past and present staff who have been so passionate and committed. It is an amazing place to live. It is so special and its such a success because residents have the ability to retain independence whilst accessing care and support when needed.
It has been a pleasure to mark this important anniversary for Wellwood House and to join in celebrations with staff and residents it has been truly humbling. The spirit of Wellwood House is so special”.
Opening its doors in 2003, Wellwood House is a high-quality Extra Care housing scheme that offers individual tailored care and support for older people.
Wellwood House Extra Care scheme provides a real alternative to residential care, allowing older people to live independently in their own self-contained apartment with access to a home care service that is based on site.
Wellwood House tenant, and member of Newport Male Voice Choir George Cairns explains: “This place is very special and is a wonderful home to all that live here. I cannot thank them enough for looking after my wife while I have been in hospital. All the staff, but especially Sally, are absolutely amazing. It’s been a really great afternoon celebrating”.
Wellwood House Service Manager Sally Willis explains why the scheme is so important to her: “Working at Wellwood House is wonderful. Seeing the tenants happy and keeping independent is so rewarding. We have a brilliant team at Wellwood, and we wanted to organise something special to celebrate the joy our tenants have had living here for the past 20years. Today was celebrating our anniversary but also how we are one big family. We have kitchen staff that have been working since yesterday to create a buffet for our celebration and domestic staff that have even come into work on their days off to help in preparation for today. Wellwood House is a special place to us all”.
Gary Hortop Director of Care and Support Linc Cymru Housing Association Scott Sanders CEO, Linc Cymru Housing Association Sally Wills Manager of Wellwood House Mayoress of Newport, Catherine Karlson Mayor of Newport Councillor Trevor Watkins Councillor James Clarke MS John Griffiths Richard Sheahan Neighbourhood and Services lead Linc Cymru Housing Association
Debbie Channing and kitchen team at Wellwood House who delighted all residents and guests with a buffet lunch fit for the King.
Mayoress of Newport Catherine Karlson enjoying the afternoon with a tenant of Wellwood House
City of Newport Male voice choir