Abbeyfield Kent marks refurbishment with celebratory event

The Abbeyfield Kent Society, a leading charity and housing association in the South East of England, has celebrated the completion of refurbishment on its Paddock Wood supported home, with a celebratory event on 23 July 2015.

Staff of the Society gathered with residents and associates at Margaret Fisher House, in Old Kent Road, to celebrate the refurbishments which have added en-suite facilities to all ten rooms, as well as two new self-contained apartments alongside the home.

Head of supported housing at the Abbeyfield Kent Society, Zena Thomas, said: “Loneliness is currently a huge problem amongst older people, we hope that the addition of the two apartments will boost the Margaret Fisher House community.

“Residents of the apartments are free to walk across to Margaret Fisher House and share the communal space, enabling all residents to enjoy a pleasant social life.”

The new apartments aim to provide independent living for over 55s with bespoke fixtures and fittings, ensuring the home is suitable for people with disabilities. Staff are available to check on residents and the Society’s domiciliary care provider, Caring Companions, also provide care, if required.

The refurbishment was able to take place as the Society received two kind donations, one from the Frederick Drury Ware Trust, which offered £100,000 and the other from the Margaret Fisher Charitable Trust, which also contributed £300,000.

Jo Passmore, a trustee of the Margaret Fisher Charitable Trust, who has worked closely with the Society for over 25 years, commented: “Margaret Fisher gave her name to the Paddock Wood home and took a keen interest in all that happened there throughout her life.

“She set up the Margaret Fisher Charitable Trust, which continues to support the home, providing fresh flowers each week. It was Margaret’s wish that trustees would continue to provide financial support, should they feel there was a worthwhile cause.”