Very Sheltered Housing

What is Very Sheltered Housing (VSH)?

Our goal is to keep older people living independently within their own homes with any care and support they need coming directly to them.

We provide one or two bedroom very sheltered housing flats which form part of a complex. They each have communal facilities such as a restaurant and activity rooms. This means that there's always time to socialise.

The flats have been designed to promote comfortable living.

Within every very sheltered flat there will be an alarm linked to a 24 hour control centre, so an added peace of mind, that help is always at hand.

Other services available at an extra cost include personal care, domestic help and a meals service.

These schemes are being developed by the council in partnership with five other Housing Providers.

We have a list of frequently asked questions (pdf, 51 KB)which may also help you.

Who is VSH for?

Very Sheltered Housing accommodation is primarily for people over 65 years of age, but if you are disabled, have learning difficulties or have mental health issues then you may be eligible if you are over 55.

The biggest aim is that the schemes will house older people with a variety of care needs. Therefore, within one scheme there will be both people with high care needs as well as those who have low level care or support needs.

The schemes will also be a local resource for older people living within the neighbouring community. This is because some of the on site facilities will actually be open for public use. This will include the restaurant, activity rooms, lunch clubs, the hairdressers and possibly a shop. There will also be the opportunity to take part in on site organised activities such as arts and crafts and also on day trips with tenants.

How can I get a flat?

Most of the flats are for rent and will be given to people on the Health and Social Care 'waiting list'. To be included on this list you should contact Care Direct to request an assessment for Very Sheltered Housing. If you have a social worker already please let Care Direct know.

To contact Care Direct, please telephone 0117 922 2700.

You also need to think about which locations you would be interested in - choose from the list below.  Some flats in four of the schemes are available for sale.  To express an interest in these flats you can contact the housing provider directly (see list below). 

Some of the apartments for sale will also be advertised through HomeChoice Bristol and priority given to older people already on the VSH waiting list or registered with HomeChoice Bristol.

VSH schemes

ABC Centre

This site was developed in partnership with Brunelcare.
Location: Chessington Avenue, Hengrove.
Opened: Spring 2004.

No flats available for sale.

Westbury Fields

This site was developed in partnership with St Monica Trust.
Location: Greystoke Avenue, Southmead.
Opened: April 2004.

Some flats available on a part buy, part rent basis in the wider village.  Please contact St Monica Trust on 0117 9494004 for further details.

Hillside Court

This site was developed in partnership with Housing 21.
Location: Meg Thatcher's Gardens, St George.
Opened: June 2004.

No flats for sale.

Anchor House/Southlands

This site was developed in partnership with Guinness Trust.
Location: Well's Road, Knowle.
Opened: Southlands, Winter 2005, and Anchor House, Summer 2004.

No flats for sale.

Colliers Gardens

This site was developed in partnership with Brunelcare.
Location: Symington Road.
Opened: January 2006.

No flats for sale.

Monica Wills House

This site was developed in partnership with St Monica Trust.
Shared Ownership properties will be available.
Location: West Street, Bedminster.
Opened: October 2006.

Some shared ownership and flats available for sale.  Please contact St Monica Trust on 0117 9494004 for further details.

Lincoln Gardens

This site is being developed in partnership with Guinness Trust.
Location: Gaunts Ham Park, Lawrence Hill.
Opened: April 2008.

No flats for sale.

Blaise Weston Court

This site is being developed in partnership with Hanover Housing Association.
Location: Broadlands Drive, Lawrence Weston.
Opened: April 2008.

No flats for sale.

Waverley Gardens

This site is being developed in partnership with Brunelcare.
Location: off Queens Road, Bishopsworth.
Planned opening: Opened September 2009.

10 flats for sale on a part buy part rent basis.  Please contact Brunelcare on 0117 9144221 for further details.

Ash Lea Court

This site is being developed in partnership with Hanover Housing Association.
Location: Lyddington Road, Monks Park.
Opened: November 2009.

Four flats for sale on a part buy, part rent basis.  Please contact Hanover on 0870 6003074 for further details.