Work starts on new care home in Chippenham

MHA, a national charity providing accommodation, care and support services for 15,000 older people has started work on a new care home and housing complex with care, on the site of Chippenham’s golf club. The care home is planned to open in summer 2012 and will provide residential and specialist nursing and dementia care for 60 older people.

Work will then start on the construction of 70 independent living apartments which will be linked to the home by a community hub. This will contain a welcoming foyer with a reception area, restaurant and lounge to meet family and friends.

The ceremony to mark the start of building work was led by Joan Rippingale and Sister Marjorie Whitfield, residents of MHA’s housing scheme Walcot Court in Bath.

Both ladies have a special association with MHA as Joan is a member of MHA’s Charity Board and Sister Marjorie served on the Board for a number of years until retiring in 2007. Joan spoke to guests and said that in her experience there were two key words to summarise the care provided by MHA: ‘respect and reliability’. Members from local Methodist Churches lent their support and Rev Peter Mortlock performed a blessing.

MHA was established by the Methodist Church in 1943 and is inspired by Christian concern, but its services have always been available to everyone who needs them, of all faiths and none.

Les Sudron, head of fundraising, said: ‘MHA is thrilled to support the development of such a wonderful new facility for the benefit of older people and to be a part of this local community, surrounded by the beautiful grounds of Chippenham Golf course.’

The charity has launched the Forget Me Not appeal to raise additional income for some of the planned features, including sensory gardens, coffee shop, IT suite and music therapy and reflexology equipment.