Downlands Court

Peacehaven, Saxon Weald

Description of Scheme

Downlands Court has been designed in consultation with key voluntary organisations and the local community. A key focus has been to ensure that all aspects of design and layout meet best practice in design for people with dementia. All flats are wheelchair accessible and hardwired for telecare products as required. There is a progress privacy system in place which will allow members of the wider community access to the communal areas of the building whilst maintaining the security of residents.

The scheme has a specific focus on dementia with 8 flats designated for people with dementia living alone or with carers. It has already proven very popular with carers who have partners with dementia and who are becoming themselves increasingly frail. The local Older People's Mental Health team have been very active in the scheme's development and will hold a Memory Screening clinic on site three times a week.

The community have been involved in every aspect of the design of the scheme. The restaurant is run by a social enterprise and are keen to actively encourage the local community to come and dine and use other facilities on site. The community participation worker is enabling residents to continue their interests in the local community as well as developing onsite activities.

Where Is It?

Sprawling , post-war, coastal community comprised mostly of bungalows with gardens, with no focus, few amenities or shops. High proportion of retired people, many of whom have moved to Peacehaven from London or the South East. Nearest urban area is Brighton & Hove.

Distance from town centre (miles): Newhaven is the nearest town which is just under 2 miles away. It is 7 miles from Lewes and 10 miles from Brighton & Hove

Residents Information

Feedback from viewings of the flats has been 100% positive.

Proximity

Access to site easy. Distances: bus stop 1 mile(s); shop 1 mile(s); post office 1 mile(s); town centre 1 mile(s); GP 1 mile(s); social centre 1 mile(s).

Relevant Local Strategy

Peacehaven was identified by the Lewes and Wealden Housing & Support Strategy (2005) as the priority area for an extra care scheme within Lewes District Council. ESCC Adult Social Care owned the land which had become surplus to requirements.

Care Services

Extra Care scheme with 24 hours / 7 days), non-resident management staff (24 hours) and community alarm service

Facilities

• Lift
• Lounge
• Dining room
• Laundry
• Guest facilities
• Garden
• Activities room
• Cafe
• Shop
• Hairdressing salon
• Beauty therapy
• Library

All the above will be open to the local community at scheduled times as well as residents. A part-time community participation worker has been funded to enable the development of activities, many of which will be available to older people in the local community.

As well as the large communal lounge there is a smaller sitting area called 'The Pavilion'. This is equipped with a kitchenette to prepare sandwiches and drinks and is for use of small groups of residents and pre-booked use by external groups. There is a enclosed courtyard with planted beds and opportunities to develop gardening interests. The building is designed with corridors all around the courtyard where people can safely wander without leaving the main building.

Address

Roundhay Avenue
Peacehaven
East Sussex
BN10 8TG

Scheme Location Map