Glenbrook House turns 30
Last week Glenbrook House in Derry~Londonderry celebrated 30 years since it opened its doors; and to mark the big anniversary the scheme held a party for its tenants and their family and friends.
Situated on Glenbrook Terrace, the scheme which is owned and managed by Apex Housing Association, offers sheltered accommodation for people over the age of 60.
Jane Diver, Manager of Glenbrook House, commented:
It’s hard to believe that Glenbrook House is 30 years old and has supported so many people over the years. At Glenbrook we aim to encourage older people to stay independent and active and give people the chance to have their say and be listened to. With age comes a wealth of experience, knowledge and a lot of laughs that we recognise as invaluable.
Glenbrook is such a welcoming homely place that I have to admit some days it doesn’t feel like I’m coming to work. We’re like one big family all looking out for each other.
One tenant of Glenbrook House is Joseph Blumenstein. Originally from South Limburg in the Netherlands, he has been living in the city for 23 years. Joseph moved to Glenbrook around a year ago and says he’s never regretted it for a second.
It’s great to live here. I have neighbours who are now very good friends; I still have my independence and I enjoy my unofficial role as the scheme’s handyman. It’s nice to be able to help others with small jobs they mightn’t be able to do themselves.
Joseph built an aviary in his back garden over the last few months and now keeps canaries and finches, which he says is a dream come true.
Once I retired, my dream was always to have an aviary for birds. My health isn’t great; I’ve come through depression, cancer, a heart attack and I suffer from COPD. I always enjoyed walking, but the cancer treatment destroyed my hips and the COPD affects my breathing, so now I can’t walk very far at all. Sitting in my back garden and watching the birds is my therapy now. I could sit there for hours. My neighbours love the birds too and have been so supportive. I usually leave the back gate open so that anyone who wants to can come in and watch them.
Glenbrook House consists of one 3-bedroom house, eight 1 and 2 bedroom bungalows and thirty self-contained one bedroom flats in a purpose built two storey building. The scheme offers a secure door entry system and an emergency call system is each room of the flats and bungalows. Set in landscaped gardens with patio areas it is within easy reach of all local amenities and has good transport links to the city centre.
