“When I first walked into my flat it felt like home”

Eileen with Gemma, Housing Officer

Eileen has lived at Hope Court, Cardiff, longer than any of her neighbours and says it has always felt like home.

She was 67 when she first moved in with her husband in 2000. They had lived in their family home in Cathays for more than five decades and had brought up their three children there.

“There came a time when my husband couldn’t walk up the stairs in our house anymore, so our doctor recommended we should move to Hope Court.

“We had been in our home for 50 years, so it was hard for us to move at first.

“We put our name down for a flat and waited two years for one to become available.

That was 25 years ago and in that time Eileen, now 92, has made many friends at the scheme. Her husband passed away eight years ago, but Eileen has continued to value the friendship and regular get togethers with her neighbours.

“When we first moved in, we were invited down to lounge and introduced to the other people living here. We had such a warm welcome. Over the years I’ve made some good friends.

“Everyone here is really lovely and friendly. I couldn’t ask for better neighbours.

“When people move in here, they don’t want to leave because everyone is so nice.

“Whenever I go out, I can’t wait to get back home.”

“I remember the first time we were shown around the flat. I walked in, looked out of the window and turned to my husband and said, it feels like home.