Staff and residents mark merger of local housing associations

STAFF and residents from Abbeyfield House in Merville Garden Village and Bryans House in New Mossley were among the guests at a special event to mark the merger of two leading local housing associations, Abbeyfield UK (NI) and Wesley Housing Association.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Apr 2013, 07:30 BST
Pictured (l-r) at the launch are Jackie Campion, scheme supervisor, Bryans House, New Mossley; Mrs Shirley, resident of Bryans House; Heather Smyth, Housing Officer, Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association and Baroness Dean, Abbeyfield Society President. INNT 17-506CONPictured (l-r) at the launch are Jackie Campion, scheme supervisor, Bryans House, New Mossley; Mrs Shirley, resident of Bryans House; Heather Smyth, Housing Officer, Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association and Baroness Dean, Abbeyfield Society President. INNT 17-506CON
Pictured (l-r) at the launch are Jackie Campion, scheme supervisor, Bryans House, New Mossley; Mrs Shirley, resident of Bryans House; Heather Smyth, Housing Officer, Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association and Baroness Dean, Abbeyfield Society President. INNT 17-506CON

The launch event, which was attended by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, took place at the offices of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

The new organisation, Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association, will be responsible for a total of 321 housing units, with the potential to house over 400 residents across Northern Ireland.

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Commenting on the development and what it will mean for those who reside at properties owned by both organisations, Geraldine Gilpin, Chief Executive of Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity. The management boards of both organisations considered that pooling our resources will achieve much greater efficiencies. It will increase financial stability, build a larger staff team with a wider range of skills and knowledge, and create a stronger market presence, which in turn should result in an expansion and improvement of the services which are currently provided to older people.”

She added: “Our residents should not notice any changes to the service provided, other than improvements which may come from the strengths and advantages gained from the merger.”

Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association provides a total of 24 supported sheltered housing units in Ballyclare, Monkstown and Merville, as well as 36 flats for older people in New Mossley.