A new lease of life for Stevenson Village
In 2017, HBH Senior Living took over Stevenson Village, a 36-unit retirement village in Howick that provides affordable, social housing for older people. Built in 1975 by Sir William and Lady Stevenson and the local RSA, Stevenson Village offers comfortable, independent bedsits and one bedroom units, as well as a community hub where residents can gather to socialise.
The purchase of Stevenson Village was ‘a natural fit’, says Bonnie Robinson, CEO of HBH Senior Living. “As a values-based organisation, we wanted to make sure that this wonderful resource of affordable housing for older people remains available, both now and in the future,” she says.
As well as a commitment to current and future tenants, HBH will be making additional support services and activities available to residents, supporting them to remain as independent as possible and to live life to the full.
HBH’s Social Co-ordinator, Helen Parkinson, explains how HBH’s care philosophy is already being incorporated into Stevenson Village life. “We’re making the community centre more homely with things like pot plants and cushions,” she says. “And we’ve introduced new activities such as games afternoons, barbecues, wine and cheese evenings and a bus for shopping. The residents can now enjoy regular gatherings and activities – and come along to events at HBH as well.”
Helen says that residents are thrilled that HBH Senior Living has purchased their beloved village. “Many residents were concerned about the future,” she says. “Now our residents are really happy with the changes.”
