Local Abbeyfield Committee announces formation

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Abbeyfield Steering Committee is officially announcing their establishment following the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Debbie Wakelam, who spoke on behalf of the organization, explained its inception marks a step towards exploring “Abbeyfield-style” seniors’ housing in Strathmore. 

“The Strathmore Abbeyfield location will be for independent seniors. The Abbeyfield mission and philosophy is and always has been, to alleviate loneliness and provide a sense of community for older adults,” said Wakelam. “Houses are designed to be homely and friendly, and foster social interaction and shared meals. Volunteers and staff play a crucial role in maintaining this environment.”

Abbeyfield was launched in 1956 in the United Kingdom to create low-income housing, similar in function to a bedsit. 

The committee aims to bring another option to the local community for seniors to be able to maintain a sense of community and remain active while still living with some degree of independence.

Abbeyfield homes will look to combine private suites with shared spaces. The committee’s immediate timeline indicates their intent to engage with stakeholders, gather information, and effectively gauge the viability of the living style in Strathmore. 

“There is a need and there is room for different models and people should be able to choose … we are a dedicated group of local people, we all have the same shared vision of creating seniors housing,” said Wakelam. “The Abbeyfield model is not-for-profit charity, two meals a day, housekeeping, common area, organized social occasions, a small staff – one manager, one housekeeper. One step up, to put it that way, would be the Wheatland Lodge.”

Being a registered charity, the team is looking for possible partners, land, and developers to talk about furthering their initiative, as well as to educate the public about their goals. 

Wakelam noted specifically they do not intend to compete with the Wheatland Lodge, rather to provide an additional option for local seniors.

“Abbeyfields are built by charity work and so they are done with fundraising and a lot of donations. Typically, there is a land donation or in some city centres, they actually do a house,” she said. “We are not looking for an existing building; we are looking to start fresh. The house can have an upstairs area and that can either be rentals above it or a house manager that works there.”

The team does not yet have a domain set up but is encouraging those who may be interested in helping to reach them through social media channels for the time being.