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Charlie Ratchford Court, a new extra care service in Chalk Farm officially opened this week. The service has 38 new, purpose-built flats and supports residents with social care needs to live independently.
The building – built and paid for by Camden’s Community Investment Programme – has been designed to run on renewable energies and includes a shared lounge, a health and wellbeing suite, a green roof, and a guest suite for when family and friends visit.
The ‘extra care’ service has staff available around the clock, who work closely with residents to understand their personal needs and co-deliver the support provided so that residents continue to receive what they need to maintain their independence and a connection to the wider community.
The flexible care model focuses on resident’s strengths and what matters to them most, rather than the things that they cannot do. Residents are supported to maintain their overall wellbeing and social activities, as they are assisted to take part in community activities and to access local services that will help to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Residents and their families are at the heart of what we are doing at ‘Charlie’s’ and they will continue to shape the scheme so that it remains a place that will benefit residents and the community for years to come.
Councillor Pat Callaghan and Charlie Ratchford's son unveil a portrait of Charlie Ratchford, which sits in the entrance to the building.
Clare McQuillan, one of the first residents to move in said: “I’m really pleased with my new home. I was in a bed-sit before and now I have so much more space. The flats are really nice, modern and very homely as I have all my pictures up. I’m part of the resident forum and I put forward my ideas on the activities I would like to take part in. I enjoy arts and crafts and music and I’m looking forward to getting involved in more activities.”
Clare McQuillan proudly cuts the celebratory cake with Martin Pratt, Executive Director of Supporting People and Deputy Chief Executive for Camden Council.
Charlie Ratchford Court is the latest project to be delivered by Camden’s Community Investment Programme, which has built 991 new homes and provided new council homes to over 1,000 residents, including 453 children, many of whom previously lived in overcrowded homes.
The programme has also delivered some of the most energy efficient homes in the UK – helping residents cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions – and has built three new school buildings, two community centres and refurbished two homeless hostels.
More information
More information about Charlie Ratchford Court.
