Paradigm supports new tenant to move closer to family

New tenant Valerie Cullen, 81, from Swansea can’t wait to move into a one-bedroom flat in our older people’s complex at Gower House, Amersham, next month.

Mrs Cullen wants to be closer to her family particularly her daughter and grandchildren who live just five minutes’ walk away.

She will be downsizing from her five-bedroom house in Wales to the flat, which will be much easier to manage. The flat is on the first floor with access via a lift. The area is really quiet with no heavy traffic and just a flat walk to the station. She said: “It feels like a Sunday here every day!”

With plenty of help from her family who are sorting out carpets and arranging painting with vouchers from Paradigm, the flat will soon be ready for her to move in.

Mrs Cullen is adamant that she is not moving to be looked after and that it is her that will be doing the looking after – by getting more involved with her family and especially the grandchildren!

Mrs Cullen said: “So far my first experience of social housing has been great! Everyone I’ve met from Paradigm couldn’t do enough for me and have made me feel more than welcome. The whole process has been absolutely perfect – everyone has been very kind and thoughtful and I have everything I need.

“The flat is surprisingly spacious with a lovely kitchen and I’ve treated myself to a nice new cooker to indulge my passion for baking and cooking. I’ll be doing lots of cooking for the family!

“I’m also looking forward to socialising in the communal room where there are some activities such as lunches and a Tuesday morning coffee morning.”

She continued: “When I go to meet the other residents at one of the coffee mornings, I’ll take them down my speciality bake of Welsh cakes. Only the best ingredients of course – organic flour and good quality fruit, best served toasted and washed down with a cup of tea!”