Lesley moved into Printing Charity retirement Almshouse Southwood Court at the start of 2025, after she had to leave the flat in which she was living and couldn’t find other appropriate accommodation. She was eligible for a place at Southwood through her father’s career in the print industry, and she heard about the development as a family connection was already a resident.
“I could live here, it’s lovely!”
“I thought I wouldn’t be able to live there, because I didn’t have a print connection,” Lesley explains, “But of course through my father, I have. When I came to look at Southwood I realised that it would give me everything I need. The flats are lovely, very well kept; overall, it’s very well run.”
She initially visited with her daughter, and returned a second time with a very close friend. She remembers: “My friend said to me, “I could live here, it’s lovely”!”
She found moving in straightforward. “The process was good throughout. Everyone was really lovely. They pulled out all the stops to get everything ready, and were so helpful, even recommending people to help with the move and do a bit of work in my flat to get it as I wanted it. The team arranged a coffee afternoon when I first moved in, and I was really touched that people attended.”
As a life-long Basildon resident, Lesley is enjoying Southwood’s surroundings. “When I’m in my apartment, it’s very quiet, and looks out towards the country. It’s a really pleasant outlook. I can open my doors in the morning and enjoy the outside space that comes with my flat.”
Peace of mind for Lesley and her family
Lesley values the security and safety of life at Southwood, along with being able to live life her own way. “I feel very secure here, even coming back late of a night. I can be dropped off or drive right to the door, I don’t have to worry. I can go and meet the other residents, and be sociable when I want to, and the Southwood team are always there if you need them.”
Living at Southwood hasn’t just given Lesley herself peace of mind, her family feel the same way, too. “It’s a weight off my family’s mind. I’ve noticed that my daughters have relaxed, they know I’m safe and they’re very happy I’m here. My granddaughter has been to stay – she wants to come and visit Nanny, and there’s plenty of room.”
To anyone thinking of enjoying their retirement at Southwood, Lesley says: “Visit, don’t just read the brochure! Come and have a good look round. I did, twice, and found the other residents very welcoming. When you move in, you might have a wobble in the first couple of weeks, but that’s normal. I’m very glad I made the move.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about Southwood Court and the Printing Charity’s other Almshouse for independent retirement living, Beaverbrook House in Bletchley, please get in touch: support@theprintingcharity.org.uk or 01293 542 820. There’s more information on our dedicated web pages.