Introducing Warwickshire’s fully vaccinated villages

Austin Heath and Great Alne Park, two retirement communities in Warwickshire operated by Inspired Villages, an award-winning operator of retirement villages, today announces the vaccination of all willing residents and team members with the first jab against coronavirus.

Through careful planning, Inspired Villages has been able to successfully and proactively support the vaccine rollout for over 100 residents across the two villages, with team members offering an extra pair of hands to help in logistics management and communication including writing to the residents and booking individual appointments.

Inspired Villages is proud to be able to provide hope for its grateful residents with the first jab, and a tangible timeline for the second vaccine, immunity and a return to normal life following the Government's road map out of lockdown.

Great Alne Park resident, Stephen Walsh, 63, said: “Thanks to the sterling efforts of the Great Alne Park Village team, we have been kept safe throughout this pandemic and the attentive care of the staff has ensured that no-one felt lonely or threatened. The effective bubble shielded us a whole year - long enough for the vaccination programme to turn the situation around.

“The threat is still there, but now that 100% of residents and staff have received the ‘jab’, I feel a sense of relief, more certain of long-term prospects and less worried of falling foul of severe illness. The facilities will reopen gradually, we will feel more confident about doing ‘normal’ activities more normally. As spring approaches, we shall see our village blossom.”

Despite circumstances, Inspired Villages has helped its communities through lockdown by socially distanced physical and social activities, giving residents something to look forward to including online and outdoor exercise classes, G&T socials on balconies and patios, and online quizzes. Inspired Villages also offers a ‘Buddy Call’ service which sees Inspired team members regularly call residents to help them stay connected with others, ensure they have everything they need at home, and encourage them to keep moving in lockdown.

Tom Lord, Village COO at Inspired Villages commented: “The teams at Great Alne Park and Austin Heath are thrilled at the wonderful news that their residents have received the first vaccine against coronavirus. The announcement of the road map out of lockdown has filled us with hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel for our residents to regain their independence.

“Everyone at Inspired Villages can’t wait for our residents to receive their second dose as well as opening up our facilities again in the coming months. We’re very excited to welcome families and friends again soon.”