There were birthday celebrations in Gwynedd this week marking the one year anniversary of Hafod y Gest’s opening. Grŵp Cynefin’s extra care scheme opened in February 2019.
The £7.8m development was a partnership between Gwynedd Council and Grŵp Cynefin. It was funded in part by Welsh Government’s housing grant. Hafod y Gest consists of 26 two-bedroom and 14 one-bedroom apartments.
During the construction phase, 12 North Wales apprentices worked on site, with 92 per cent of the total workforce living in the region. The project has created seven permanent roles including a manager, caretaker, kitchen staff and night carers.
The 49 Gwynedd residents were cutting the birthday cake at celebrations to mark a full year of living independently in the town centre.
Gaynor Owen, 82, who moved to Hafod y Gest from her flat in Porthmadog a year ago, said:
‘We are free to live independently in our flats, but support is available from staff and carers, if required. My health is not 100% at the moment, but having people around me and the opportunity to socialise in the different activities available is a great help.’
Shan Lloyd Williams, Chief Executive of Grŵp Cynefin, said:
‘This is our fourth extra care scheme in North Wales and we are delighted to be able to mark this important milestone and celebrate the first birthday with everyone settled and the facility flourishing.
‘As a housing association we are committed to providing housing solutions in the region and these schemes are a great opportunity for older people to live independently with the flexibility of accessing care services if required.’