During last winter when the COVID pandemic was rife and visits to residential units for the elderly were severely restricted, Brecon Abbeyfield became increasingly aware that the Government’s scheme for providing secure “visiting pods” for care homes would unfortunately not apply to the type of supported housing scheme provided by Abbeyfield.  This was regretted since Abbeyfield residents suffered the same visiting restrictions as care homes. The Abbeyfield Board and Manager, Emma Debenham became determined to seek alternative methods for safe visitation.

A scheme was required to enable friends and family to safely visit residents when restrictions allowed without the need to enter the main Abbeyfield building which is situated at Station Close off Camden Road.  Details of the proposed scheme, a small partially enclosed extension with comfortable seating, adjacent to the main entrance, was submitted to the National Lottery Community Fund: Awards for All Covid 19 Scheme, and this proved successful.

The project has now been completed as the photographs depict, and helpfully, the extension is both ready for any further visiting restrictions whilst also providing an area for the residents to sit, relax and catch up with friends and family in attractive and comfortable surroundings.

Brecon Abbeyfield extends its sincere thanks to the National Lottery for its valuable support at a particularly difficult time during the national crisis. Special thanks also goes to former Trustee, Alban Dunn for all his hard work securing the grant.

Peter Jackson, Chairman of Brecon Abbeyfield added; “We are very lucky here at Abbeyfield to have such a marvellous team of staff and volunteers, and in particular our wonderful House Manager Emma Debenham who has helped bring this project to fruition. The new conservatory is all part of our ongoing effort to both improve the fabric of the building and the general life experience for our residents. The lottery funding route was simple to follow and we are deeply indebted to them for their generosity in supporting this very worthwhile project.”

Abbeyfield is dedicated to providing support to older people. There are over 500 Abbeyfield houses and homes throughout the United Kingdom all adhering to the Abbeyfield principles.

Our home, Abbeyfield House, is a sheltered home for older people where we aim to provide a peaceful, friendly atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to remain as independent as possible and to make the house their home.

Abbeyfield House is a very friendly community, in a safe and attractive setting. We have twelve residential flats created to provide comfortable retirement accommodation. Each of our flats have a separate living room/kitchenette, bedroom and en-suite shower room, and some flats are large enough for double occupancy, all flats on the first floor are served by a lift. Our flats come carpeted and unfurnished so that they can personalised with favourite pieces of furniture, photographs and trinkets to make it feel like home.