Green light given to unique care service at Charlie Ratchford Court
A new and innovative care model is set to be delivered by Camden Council following approval at last night’s Cabinet meeting.
Charlie Ratchford Court in Chalk Farm will provide care to residents with a range of needs while creating a community intended to reduce loneliness and isolation among tenants through regular wellbeing and social support.
Helping to build the community at the service will be up to four support tenants who will live on site providing 10 hours of informal support per week in exchange for affordable rent. The support tenants will help to make the service more reflective of the wider community by facilitating social events with tenants and neighbouring residents. This approach is designed to help tenants make meaningful connections with each other and the wider community while living active and fulfilling lives.
Full-time staff will work with residents in a ‘strength-based’ way, planning and adapting their support, and focusing on building their strengths, independence and resilience.
Due for completion later this year, the service will provide 36 purpose-built extra care flats for people who may need support to maintain their independence. The ground floor space will include a café-style dining area where residents and families can come together, and a programme of activities can be enjoyed in the flexible indoor and outdoor spaces by residents and the wider community.
Charlie Ratchford Court has been paid for by Camden’s Community Investment Programme, Camden’s plan for investing over £1 billion in building schools, homes and community facilities in Camden.
Councillor Callaghan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Healthy and Caring Camden said: “In Camden, we want to support people to live healthy, active and independent lives for longer. The plans for Charlie Ratchford Court supports this vision.
“Our residents will be supported to remain active within the scheme and the local community through a range of activities, helping to tackle loneliness and isolation, which impacts so many older people’s lives.”
Councillor Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities and Inclusive Economy said: “This is another great example of how the Community Investment Programme makes best use of council resources to benefit our community. This in-house model has been shaped with residents and carers to make sure it meets the needs of our residents and once complete will benefit our community for years to come.”