Over-55s housing scheme helps former taxi driver live well at home

A former taxi driver is thriving in his new home at Birch Lea Park in Hattersley after moving into the over-55s Housing with Care scheme earlier this summer.

Mike, who previously lived in Denton, says the move has brought him peace of mind, independence and a renewed sense of community. The development, delivered by Tameside Council in partnership with Onward Homes, opened earlier this year and offers residents aged 55 and over a place to call home, with care, amenities and social opportunities all under one roof.

Birch Lea Park features 91 thoughtfully designed apartments alongside a café bistro, communal lounges and a range of on-site services. Residents can live independently while planning for the future, with on-site care easily arranged if needs change.

Since settling in, Mike has quickly made himself at home. He enjoys coffee mornings in the café bistro, games of pool, social activities with neighbours and the occasional fish and chip dinner.

As a former taxi driver who spent years chatting with people every day, Mike says the social side of life at Birch Lea Park has been especially important to him.

“It’s excellent to live here and the view I have is brilliant,” he said. “The design is wonderful. The people who have planned it have done a lovely job.

“I’m peaceful, calm, and enjoying life. I’m meeting new people all the time.”

While keen to retain his independence and live life on his own terms, Mike finds reassurance in knowing that 24/7 on-site care is available should he ever need it. Care is provided by Creative Support, and Mike also praises the support he has received from staff such as his social worker, Molly, from Tameside Adult Services, for listening to his needs and being friendly and approachable.

One of Mike’s favourite features of his new home is his balcony, where he likes to sit and watch planes flying over and landing at Manchester Airport. He also enjoys access to the garden, secure storage for his electric scooter and the on-site salon.

“You lock your own front door – what more can you ask for?” he added. “I’m sound as anything at night.

“I’m just happy with the way things are.”

Birch Lea Park marks a major milestone in the long-term regeneration of Hattersley and Mottram, transforming a once-derelict site into a modern, vibrant community.

Councillor John Taylor, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s heart warming to see what a positive impact living at Birch Lea Park has had on Mike and so many other residents’ lives, providing peace of mind for both them and their families.

“The modern design and wide range of facilities allow people to feel inspired and truly live well at home.”

Sandy Livingstone, Executive Director of Growth at Onward, added: “We’ve been working closely with our partners in Tameside to create high-quality, affordable homes that meet the different needs of local people as part of our wider regeneration of the area.

“Birch Lea Park is already making a real and lasting difference to people’s lives. Seeing customers like Mike thrive with a renewed sense of community is exactly why Housing with Care is so important.

“I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved here, and of the strong partnership working that has transformed a once derelict site into a thoughtfully designed, vibrant community where people can flourish.”

To hear more from Mike and explore Birch Lea Park, watch the video at: https://youtube.com/shorts/usU3TIj6LbQ.

For more information or to register your interest in living at Birch Lea Park, visit: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/supportathome.