Darwen man delighted with move to Riverside Heights

Local man Mr James Shorrock is delighted with his move to Riverside Heights housing with care scheme in the Shorey Bank area of Darwen.

After a stay in hospital and a care home, Mr Shorrock was unable to return to his previous home for health reasons. At Riverside Heights Mr Shorrock is getting the care he needs. “I couldn’t be in a better place,” said Mr Shorrock. “The staff are very nice and are looking after me very well. There was a lot of crime around where I lived before, but I’m safe here and always sleep well.”

Mr Shorrock is able to sleep well with the reassurance that residents’ safety is the main concern at Riverside Heights. The scheme’s safety features include a secure door entry system, a 24 hour emergency call service and fire sprinklers fitted in all apartments.

As well as benefiting from the high quality care service that is supporting him to manage his care needs, Mr Shorrock is enjoying socialising with his new neighbours. “There’s a good mix of people here, there’s always someone to talk to and everyone says hello,” said Mr Shorrock. “I can’t find a fault with it. They organise plenty of social activities and the fish and chips are great!”

Riverside Heights opened last summer and was developed by Together Housing and Blackburn with Darwen Council. This superb development has 85 stylish self-contained apartments available for rent. The communal facilities include a relaxing lounge, an excellent restaurant and landscaped gardens. 

Councillor Brian Taylor, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “By providing a safe and supported environment, Riverside Heights is a place where people can live independently for longer. This new scheme offers older people in the borough more choice about where they live and the social care they receive, thereby making a positive difference to their quality of life and wellbeing.”

Riverside Heights is for people in the Blackburn with Darwen area, aged over 50 with an assessed need for care or support. To apply contact the Housing Needs Team on 01254 585444 or email housingneeds@blackburn.gov.uk