Abbeyfield Voice

I hope this issue of the Voice finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer. Our cover story for this edition features a timely piece, given that Olympic season has arrived. If you would like to take a short break from cheering on Team GB, I would encourage you to read Sandwood resident Janet’s recollection of her charity work and experience of being a torchbearer for the 2012 Games. It is a welcome reminder of how we can all make a difference to the lives of others, and that the hard work of volunteers seldom goes unnoticed or unrewarded.

There are also articles about garden redevelopments, community partnerships and our latest competition results, plus more stories from inspirational residents and volunteers, and an update on our National Residents’ Panel’s work on digital inclusion.

Finally, I have two pieces of good news to update you on.

First, I am delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles has decided to retain his Patronage of Abbeyfield. This is a prestigious honour for us.

Second, an Abbeyfield-sponsored inquiry from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People has recently published its report on the regeneration of sheltered housing. This is a great milestone for Abbeyfield, and we hope that the report’s recommendations will be taken on board by the Government Task Force on Older People’s Housing to ensure that policy reflects the needs of our residents and millions more older people nationwide.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.