Tenants living in Grwp Cynefin’s Hafod y Gest development in Porthmadog have celebrated the facility’s first anniversary.

The £7.8m development allows older people to live independently within a safe community environment where flexible support and care services are available. A total of 49 residents live in the development.

Gaynor Owen, 82, who moved to Hafod y Gest from her flat in Porthmadog a year ago.

She loves her home and said: “I get up in the morning and give thanks for living in such a nice place. The designers have done a great job creating the space, where everything is easily accessible.

“We are free to live independently in our flats, but support is available from staff and carers, if required. My health is not 100 per cent at the moment, but having people around me and the opportunity to socialise in the different activities available is a great help.”

Helen Griffiths, 58, the first tenant to move to Hafod y Gest a year ago, said: “I’m happy to be here, as I have my independence within my flat, but I’m also able to pop into town in my wheelchair.

“As I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, I have some days when I become indifferent to preparing food. Since coming here, lunch is prepared for me, and it gives me consistency within my diet, no matter how I feel.”

Gwynedd Council’s adult, health and well being Cabinet member, Cllr Dafydd Meurig, said: “Hafod y Gest development is a wonderful example of how we are working with our partners to transform our social care.

“I would like to thank our partners at Grwp Cynefin and the Health Board who have played a crucial role in providing our third extra care housing facility here in Gwynedd.

“Most of all, I would like to thank the staff for their care and support of the tenants, throughout the year.”

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