In February 2008, work started on Abbeyfields new extra care development in Castleton, North Yorkshire, a project that was conceived in the 1990's and has taken nearly 12 years to come to fruition.
Older people living in the upper Esk Valley, within the North Yorkshire Moors, faced moving miles away from friends and relatives to an urban environment when living within their own homes became too demanding; often having to move as far away as Whitby and Scarborough. It wasn't until 2005 that domiciliary support was made available for the local older residents when Esk Moors Caring was set up to deliver the domiciliary support and care that was greatly needed.
This development provides 12 self-contained flats available for rent by local older people living within the designated parishes. It includes a community facility known as The Bradbury Centre which was funded through a donation from The Bradbury Foundation. This is managed by Esk Moors Caring staff who act as the accommodation based support provider and managing agent for Abbeyfield, working in partnership with other volunteers to ensure that local people can enjoy several activities, including a techno gym. Esk Moors Caring who were originally located at The Meet Shop in the village, relocated into Esk Moors Lodge and the scheme is fully supported by the many Abbeyfield volunteers, as well as the Esk Moors Active group which runs the 'Heather Hopper' mini bus that is used to provide transport for local residents.
The Abbeyfield Extra Care Housing at Castleton was recently commended in the Best Social Housing category at the LABC North and East Yorkshire Building Excellence awards - a real tribute to everyone who has put in so much work into making this development such a success.