Our independent living schemes consist of self-contained flats within the same building, with access by lift or stairs to the first floor. 
Communal areas
All independent living schemes have communal lounges, kitchens and gardens for everyone to use. Some schemes also have other communal facilities including:
- laundry (Brocklehurst Court, Catherine Court and Markham Court)
- hairdressing room (Glebe Court)
- quiet room (Catherine Court and Glebe Court)
- communal dryers (Glebe Court)
- two assisted bathrooms with accessible baths (Parkside)
All flats have built-in 24-hour monitored alarm units connected to the smoke alarm, pendant (the alarm you can wear) and door entry system. Emergency alarm units are also located in communal areas of the building. You cannot opt out of having the alarm monitoring because it includes the fire panel and door entry system.
Alarm monitoring in our independent living schemes is a monitoring only service. If emergency assistance is required, your nominated contacts or emergency services will be contacted as appropriate.
Secure door entry system
Most external doors can only be opened using a fob which is provided with your keys at sign-up. Visitor access is managed by the alarm monitoring centre and a password can be set up for regular visitors.
Scooter store
All schemes have limited storage and charging points for scooters. We operate a waiting list for scooter storage, please ask the independent living scheme housing officers about availability.
Service charges
A service charge is payable with your rent. This charge is for alarm monitoring in the building, cleaning and maintenance of communal areas and gardens, including external window cleaning. A charge for heating and hot water is also payable.
Your service charge may be covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. If you are not eligible, you will be responsible for paying your service charge. Utilities are not eligible for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
Further information about your service charge is provided at your sign-up visit.
Visiting staff
There is no scheme manager or staff on site. Housing officers for schemes work across all of our independent living schemes during normal office hours.
Independent living scheme residents will be given housing officer contact details.
Fire safety
All flats have smoke alarms which connect to the alarm monitoring centre. There is a fire panel system for smoke alarms covering all communal areas and a sprinkler system throughout the building.
Independent Living Schemes handbook
This handbook is for tenants living in our independent living schemes. It contains lots of useful information and advice, your rights and responsibilities, and what you can expect from us as your landlord. You can also find more information for new tenants in the moving in section.
| Independent Living Scheme Handbook |  (PDF 1.05 MB) |