The £9million Bro Preseli development was officially opened this week by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira.

A unique partnership between Family Housing Association (Wales) Ltd, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Pembrokeshire County Council and Preseli Practice; Bro Preseli provides the support people need to stay healthy, active and independent from one purpose built site in the rural community of Crymych.

Prior to enjoying an afternoon tea with residents and those who have seen the project through from start to finish, the Commissioner toured the facilities that include 40 apartments for rent, a GP practice, community resource centre, day centre and a restaurant, lounge and shop.

Ms Sarah Rochira, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales said: “I’m not often speechless as Commissioner but I am just so impressed with what I have seen here at Bro Preseli. As I travel around Wales and talk to the people I represent, they are very clear with what they want as they grow older and that’s to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and to be able to continue to do the things that matter to them. Our older people are a huge national assist who helped build this country and we have a duty of care and debt of gratitude to our older generation. Those involved with this development have aptly discharged that duty of care and have produced something truly fantastic.

“The privilege is absolutely mine to officially open Bro Preseli and I just wish that all the older people that I represent across Wales have access to something like this.”

The Commissioner also met with some of the first tenants of Family Housing Wales’ newest “village style” extra care scheme. Designed to be very much part of the community, residents have their own apartment and front door with the added benefit of shared facilities for some company.

Feedback from tenants includes “apartments and amenities are fantastic”, “even when the weather is bad you can just go to one of the lounges” and “we have good company whenever we want it.”

Jayne Jones, Head of Care and Support Services, Family Housing Association said: “As you get older, being able to maintain your independence and confidence is very important.

These extra care apartments are at the heart of Bro Preseli and designed to be part of the local community, rather than separate from it.

“Loneliness as we get older is an important issue and extra care offers neighbourly companionship in a friendly environment. Since the scheme opened the local community has truly embraced the facilities and regularly uses the restaurant, shop and craft rooms. This helps to keep the scheme, and residents, busy and vibrant, and very much a part of the community.”

In a first for Pembrokeshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Hywel Dda University Health Board this scheme also includes two “intermediate care” apartments. Older people can often benefit from short term intensive rehabilitation before returning home following a serious illness, fracture or similar injury or while adaptations are carried out at their home. A short stay of up to six weeks in an “intermediate care” apartment will offer intensive support to find new ways of doing things like washing and dressing, preparing food and shopping.

Funding for the intermediate care apartments came through the Welsh Government’s £8.8 million Intermediate Care Fund for mid and west Wales. Care and support is provided by Pembrokeshire County Council, which also supplied capital funding for the modifications to the flats. Another innovative part of the scheme is the £500,000 investment by the County Council to provide a day centre for older people which further aids their independence.

Councillor Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Well-Being and Equalities, said: “These much-needed apartments are designed to help people regain their independence with first-class care in a supportive rehabilitation environment. Most importantly, they will enable people to return home sooner.”

The inclusion of a GP Practice and Community Resource Centre in the scheme has also provided a significant boost to local health services. Preseli Practice provides a comprehensive service for over 6000 patients across two sites in Crymych and Newport, including chronic disease management, minor operations, weight control and child health and immunisation clinics, to name a few.

Dr Bethan Scourfield is a GP Partner at Preseli Practice: “The new building is a significant improvement for patients of Preseli Practice, having been based in a portacabin for many years. The Bro Preseli scheme showcases what can be achieved to meet the needs of rural communities through true partnership working.”

The Community Resource Centre on site provides a base for district nurses, health visitors, midwives, school nurses and local primary mental health support services, supporting integrated working between the Practice and community based health and social care professionals

Sue Lewis, Pembrokeshire County Director and Commissioner at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “Bro Preseli provides truly fantastic facilities for health and social care professionals working in the north and east of the county. Working in such a rural patch, having a shared base is essential to support positive communication between the members of the multidisciplinary team whilst ensuring easy access to patients out in the community.”