17 July 2008
FIRST RESIDENT CELEBRATES 21 YEARS AT SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEME
One of the first residents at a sheltered housing scheme for Asian elders is celebrating 21 years at the scheme.
Mrs Laxmiben Suchania, now in her late 80s, moved in at ASRA Greater London Housing Association’s Amar Court in Plumstead when it opened its doors in 1987.
ASRA’s Amar Court celebrated its 21 year milestone with Mrs Suchania with an afternoon tea party for residents.
Mrs Suchania said: “I first came to Amar Court because it was specifically Asian and had an Asian speaking Scheme Manager, but it was farther from my family than we had planned so I originally thought I would live here for a little while then apply for a transfer to be nearer my relatives.
“However I liked it so much when I got here that I haven’t wanted to leave. I loved having my new found independence where I could come and go as I pleased, in a safe and secure environment. Living at Amar Court is like living in my homeland.”
Mrs Suchania was born in India and moved to Nairobi after marrying. She came to London in 1982 to join her two sons and her sister after her husband passed away.
She added: “I like living here as Atia, my Scheme Manager, gives me support and is aware of my culture and my religious needs. I look forward to her visits and she is always on hand to listen and comfort me.
“Amar Court is very dear to me - I have fond memories of when the scheme first opened. I saw it being completed and over the years I’ve seen new residents arrive and made some unforgettable friendships.
“I have always enjoyed the social evenings and I can remember my first trip to see the Christmas Lights in London - I still have a souvenir mug that I was given!”
Amar Court has 15 self-contained apartments and each resident has their own front door, bathroom and kitchen. There is also communal space and a wide range of optional social activities as well as health surgeries, a mobile library and Asian television available.
Atia Malik, ASRA’s Scheme Manager explained: “Amar Court provides a taste of home away from home for its residents. It has a good community spirit, where residents are encouraged to live independently with comprehensive support giving them a home for life – as Mrs Suchania shows!”