Residents and staff of Bengough’s House have been celebrating their home’s seventh birthday with a summer fete. Opened in the summer of 1996, Bengough’s is a residential and nursing home owned and managed by the trustees of Bristol Charities, providing accommodation and care for 40 older people.
             
The residents shared an afternoon of entertainment with their families and friends with live music, card tricks, and cake, plant and clothes stalls. It was also an opportunity for them to showcase their artistic talents with a display of their artwork.

David Jones, chief executive of Bristol Charities, said: “This is a celebration of seven extremely successful years of operation. We have many staff who have been happily working here since the day of opening and the people who live here do not regard it as just ‘a home’ but as their own home.”

“Creating this kind of atmosphere is an essential part of Bristol Charities vision for older people’s services in Bristol. Our plans for caring for older people not only include the provision of appropriate levels of care and high-quality accommodation, but also – and just as importantly – a range of activities that reflect individuals’ diverse needs and interests. The celebration event is just one example of this approach.”

Bristol Charities manages six almshouses across the city as well as a pioneering day services centre – the Beehive Day Services Centre – in Whitehall. The organisation is planning to develop a network of day services for older people in Bristol and the next centre to open will be the Henbury Club, opposite Bengough’s House.

“The success of Bengough’s House illustrates to residents in the area just how committed Bristol Charities is to providing key community resources,” added David Jones.

Bristol Charities’ future plans in the area include the complete refurbishment and renovation of the Henbury Club as a day services centre for older people and a centre for the community. The organisation has also acquired a site in Bedminster for a new Very Sheltered Housing scheme to be run in conjunction with Bristol City Council. The £6.5million housing project will provide 70 specially designed flats for older people that offer independent living combined with shared facilities.

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