AN INDEPENDENT living scheme has been given a platinum RNIB Cymru award

Newydd Housing Association and Elis Fisher Court, Barry, tenants, can now live independently for longer following innovative renovations which support those individuals living with sight loss.

The changes, which were internal and external, mean Newydd has been awarded RNIB Cymru’s visibly better platinum award.

This is the third Newydd scheme that has received this award.

Major external changes have been made to the scheme such as wide level access paths around the building, installing tactile paving and coloured handrails, as well as highlighting the path edgings, to ensure that tenants can safely navigate their way around the building to the garden without the potential for any slips, trips or falls.

Internally at Elis Fisher Court, Newydd has installed lighting which is controlled by movement sensors, window tinting and blinds to prevent glare, as well as new handrails to internal staircases and highlighting of internal stair treads to prevent falls.

Newydd housing director, Jason Wroe said: “As a responsible social landlord, we understand the importance of creating homes that not only offer somewhere safe, affordable and secure for tenants, but also a home that meets their needs.

“We are proud to receive the Visibly Better award from RNIB Cymru as it cements our commitment as an organisation to provide homes where tenants with sight loss can live independently for longer.”

Working with RNIB Cymru, some Elis Fisher Court tenants were trained to become assessors and throughout the renovations ensured the work was up to standard and suitable for fellow tenants.

Director of RNIB Cymru, Ansley Workman added: “Our Visibly Better awards make a huge difference to the lives of tenants.

“Often the changes are very simple but lead to a reduction in falls and accidents.

“Although the standards are aimed at improving accessibility for people with sight loss, they will benefit a wide range of tenants including people with dementia or mobility problems.

“We know that one in five people aged 75 and over are living with sight loss, and that sight loss is set to double in the next 25 years.”

Newydd has two further Independent Living Schemes in Barry scheduled for renovation work to support its tenants with sight loss and provide them with the means to continue living independent lives.