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Monday, September 26, 2005
Chinese 'first' celebrates decade of success
SCOTLAND'S first sheltered housing development for Chinese people has celebrated its 10th birthday.
Cathay Court, in Dorset Place in Edinburgh, put on a party for its elderly residents today (Monday) and invited community leaders to join in the fun.
Ewan Fraser, the chief executive of Dunedin Canmore Housing Association - which manages the complex - said it was groundbreaking when it opened in 1995.
"It was Scotland's first purpose-built sheltered housing development for older Chinese people," he said.
"The development - which includes 33 flats for couples and single people - has been a real success. Currently there?s a waiting list of people wanting to move here."
All the residents - nearly all of whom don't speak English - are supported by an on-site manager, who provides translation services. The Edinburgh Chinese Elderly Support Association also runs a lunch club and art classes at Cathay Court for the residents.
Mr Fraser said: "A number of the residents' paintings are on show in the common lounge. There's a real community spirit here at Cathay Court. Much of that success is down to the manager, Catina Adams, who's great with the residents. She's outstanding. I just hope the next ten years at the development will be just as successful."
Resident Terry Wong (76) was one of the residents who joined in today's party - which included Chinese food, music and even a Lion Dance display.
He said: "It's just like living in a five star hotel. There?s lots of support from the housing association and they take good care of the residents. There?s also a manager on hand to help us. I've lived around the country but this is one of the best places I've stayed."
Dunedin Canmore - a not-for-profit body and a Scottish charity - manages homes across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife.
The Association currently has a turnover of around ?12 million a year and has assets worth around £176 million. As well as older people, it also provides homes for families, single people, couples, and people with disabilities. It works in partnership with a wide range of agencies including local councils and the government agency Communities Scotland. You can find out more about the Association online at http://www.dunedincanmore.org.uk/
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The full address of Cathay Court is 1 Dorset Place, Edinburgh, EH11 1JG.
Telephone No: 0131 221 9790. The manager is Catina Adams.
Hi-res pictures of the birthday celebrations are available from The PR Store.
Call 01506 823714 or 07967 150560 or email us: info@theprstore.net
Issued by THEPRSTORE on behalf of Dunedin Canmore Housing Association
For more information, please contact
Adrian Mahoney, The PR Store
T: 01506 823714
M: 07967 150560
E: Adrian@theprstore.net
Ewan Fraser
Chief Executive
Dunedin Canmore Housing Association
T: 0131 624 5600
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