A \u00a312.2 million transformation of a Denbighshire extra care housing complex has officially opened, offering older residents independence and comfort in a vibrant community setting.<\/p>\n
The upgraded Llys Awelon scheme in Ruthin, owned and managed by the Gr\u0175p Cynefin housing association, has been expanded from 21 to 56 modern apartments, combining independent living with on-site care and support.<\/p>\n
Partly funded with \u00a37.1 million from the Welsh Government and supported by Denbighshire County Council, the three year construction project was built by Read Construction and includes a restaurant, salon, landscaped gardens and communal areas.<\/p>\n
The Older People\u2019s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, guest of honour at the official opening, said the development was a \u201cplace that truly feels like home\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cA home is not just bricks and mortar,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s where we feel safe, have comfort and companionship \u2013 and that\u2019s exactly what Llys Awelon offers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gr\u0175p Cynefin chair Tim Jones hailed the opening as \u201cthe start of a new chapter\u201d for the Ruthin site.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThis project is the result of a strong and meaningful partnership between Gr\u0175p Cynefin, Denbighshire County Council and Welsh Government.<\/p>\n
\u201cRead Construction have led the build, and of course many other companies and individuals have played a vital role.\u00a0 This has been a truly collaborative and constructive journey, and we\u2019re proud of what we\u2019ve achieved together.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are especially proud and honoured to welcome the Older People\u2019s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies. This endorsement means a great deal to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Resident Cyril Jones shared his pride in calling Llys Awelon Home.<\/p>\n
\u201cCare, comfort, companionship and friendship\u00a0\u2013 I have all those here and I have something that we all treasure \u2013 we\u2019ve got our independence. We have a key to our front door \u2013 privacy, independence, comfort and care,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have little saying, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift and that\u2019s why we call it the present. Thank you for everybody involved in the present that we are enjoying here in Llys Awelon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities at Denbighshire County Council, said:\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to be at Llys Awelon today for the official opening of this special building.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaring for the needs of our older population is one of the Council\u2019s priorities. Working in partnership with Gr\u0175p Cynefin has enabled us to achieve the goal of creating a modern, comfortable and welcoming building for a community of local residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Mayor of Ruthin, Cllr Peter Daniels, was also full of praise.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThere is a vibrant community atmosphere at Llys Awelon. It gives older people in Ruthin the best of both worlds, allowing them to enjoy independent living in comfort with comprehensive support if and when it\u2019s necessary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is nothing else in Ruthin quite like it that allows older people to continue to play an active role in society should they wish to.\u201d<\/p>\n
The people attending and residents were treated to\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0performance by pupils from Ysgol Pen Barras, Ruthin, which has a close and valued relationship with the Llys Awelon community.<\/p>\n
Also present were representatives from local community groups who received grants through the Llys Awelon project, reflecting the wider impact of the scheme.<\/p>\n
Anyone interested in learning more about how to apply for a flat at Llys Awelon\u00a0 should contact\u00a0 Gr\u0175p Cynefin on <\/strong>post@grwpcynefin.org<\/strong><\/a> or 0300 111 212 and there is more information about Llys Awelon and Grwp Cynefin’s other Extra Care Housing Schemes\u00a0 here <\/strong>Extra care housing – Gr\u0175p Cynefin<\/strong><\/a>“<\/strong><\/p>\n