The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, a registered charity, has been working to realise its vision – better lives for older people – since its formation in 1988.
Research (opens new window) demonstrates the difference ExtraCare villages make to residents’ lives. Findings from an independent study into healthy ageing carried out by Aston and Lancaster Universities discovered clear results that our model really delivers measurable positive health outcomes for individuals, and significant cost savings for the social and health care system.
Solihull Village An award-winning forward-thinking development
The site was the perfect choice to align with our mission creating sustainable communities that provide homes older people want, lifestyles they can enjoy and care if it’s needed.
Our most recent village in Solihull has been built with our vision in mind. Solihull Village is situated on 3.9 acres on the site of former Powergen offices. The office buildings had been empty for over 20 years and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council had been seeking regeneration of the site for many years.
Key facts
- Village opened in 2021
- 261 homes made up of one and two bedroom apartments
- Affordable living options are provided through social rent or shared ownership
- Properties can also be purchased outright
- The village team provides care to residents who require it
- Dependent on individual circumstances we can support significant assessed care needs, including dementia
- We have car parking available for residents and guests
At Solihull Village sustainability was achieved on a fabric first basis with a communal heating system. The development achieved a BREAAM very good rating. The village is beautifully crafted with a number of facilities. It is a clear example of our unique model incorporating homes, lifestyle, care and mixed tenure. Boasting a vibrant community lifestyle the location offers activities, intergenerational groups, a wellbeing service and an innovation apartment on site.
With wellbeing, lifestyle, and community at the village’s heart residents are kept abreast of the latest technological advancements that can assist and support in later life. Since the introduction of a Research and Innovation Strategy in 2018, ExtraCare have undertaken a programme of activities and projects. Solihull Village houses an innovation apartment which contains a number of examples of smart technology and assistive technology. The apartment offers residents an idea of what can support them to live and remain with us independently.
Wellbeing is a key focus at the village with intergenerational classes taking place twice a week. HomeFromHome, a unique childcare setting attends the village with a group of up to ten children aged between 9 months and 4 years old. The group take part in a library session and children’s tennis with the residents. The sessions are proving life enhancing.
Residents have access to our award-winning Wellbeing Service, which provides them with health screening, information and drop-in advice on all aspects of their physical and mental health, lifestyle, fitness, diet and even health and safety in the home. It regularly picks up previously undetected conditions and improves the quality of life and care of residents, whilst saving the NHS money and relieving pressure on local GPs
“I was motivated to come to Solihull Village because it had everything I need ... I have plenty of friends here, all the staff and volunteers are lovely – you aren’t lonely anymore. Anyone would be happy here!”
“You have brought peace of mind to our family, we have been able to live closer thanks to our grandparents moving into ExtraCare’s village. You are bringing families together and that is priceless.”
Despite the village opening coinciding with the challenge of a pandemic, Solihull Village became a firm example of resilience; a project that consistently prioritised resident need and discovered unique ways to enhance lives. We were recently delighted to take home the Inside Housing Development Award 2022 in the Best older people’s housing development (urban) category, a true team effort.
And finally...
The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is proud to sponsor the Housing LIN’s website and annual summit.
We also host other The ExtraCare Charitable Trust resources on the Housing LIN website, including Case Study (No 144), ‘How Extra Care Living helped in the Regeneration of Longbridge’ and a blog by Dr Michael Roberts, Engaged Lives Project Officer at The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, on ‘Creating a sense of “belonging” in older age’.
Find out more about Solihull Village (opens new window)