Independent living for people - and their pets - in Burnley
"It's had a massive impact since I moved in, I've come on so much, both mentally and physically."
Gillian, 67, loves living at Dovestone Gardens in Burnley with her dog Peanut, who was the first dog to move into the 93-apartment building.
The extra care facility for people aged 55+ allows them to retain their independence and live in their own secure apartment, but with the reassurance that carers are on site every day.
Gillian said:
"My daughter filled out an application form for me and I said I'd only give it a try if my dog could come. I absolutely adore Peanut, and he adores me, so I wouldn't have come without him.
"The staff are irreplaceable, they are absolutely wonderful. Without them I'd still be stuck in my room, I wouldn’t have come out and mixed, but with their encouragement and support my life is better.
"Peanut is so happy here, he will go and sit on people's knees and makes a fuss of everybody he sees."
Each apartment at Dovestone Gardens has one or two bedrooms as well as a kitchen, lounge and bathroom. There's also an activity room, residents lounge and an on-site bistro.
The development was the result of a successful collaboration between Lancashire County Council, Calico Homes, Syncora Care and the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
71-year-old Ken moved into Dovestone Gardens from the home he'd lived in for more than 40 years after struggling with his balance.
He said:
"I was trying to get in ever since I saw the foundations going in here!
"I've met a lot of people in here. I feel comfortable and I've lost my fear of falling downstairs.
"I think it's the best move I've made. I've met more people since coming here than I have in the past 10 years. You've got everything you need here and it's good fun."
Ethel, 91, agrees that it's a great place for meeting new friends.
She said:
"I come down to the residents lounge for a couple of hours in an afternoon and meet people. It's nice to get to know everybody and it's better than sitting in your apartment on your own.
"We play bingo and have fish and chips on a Friday and it gets everyone together."
Councillor Graham Dalton, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said:
"It's great to see how happy the residents are and that they feel safe now that they have moved into this development.
"There's a real sense of community here, as people are not just living side by side, they are building friendships and supporting each other.
"This development is a brilliant example of how residents can continue to live independently, but with the reassurance that carers are on hand 24 hours a day if they do need them."