Residents and Staff outside College House, John’s College, Waterford

Bernie Colgey, Geoff Harris and Eileen Connors

Over 43 residents have moved into their new apartments, located at Johns College The Folly Waterford, since the start of the New Year. The remaining 14 residents will move in over the next couple of weeks. David Phelan,  Facilities Manager at John’s College is delighted with how people are integrating and getting to know each other in this community building. David stated that it is “Responds!’s aims to provide a provision of high quality activation, socialisation and education programmes for older residents with particular emphasis on intergenerational work and to establish support structures for older people, as well as network with existing services in the area”.

The Respond apartments at Johns College House and College Mews were designed by Respond and completed by Mythen Construction late last year. The project was built with the support Waterford City Council through the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and private borrowings by Respond This project includes 57 one-bed apartments for independent living,  21 in the historical building now renamed ‘College House’ and 36 in the adjacent new-build named College Mews.

One of the new residents Geoff Harris described his apartment as “splendid” and stated he “feels right at home”. Bernie Colgley stated “It took me a while to settle in because the place is so big. The staff up here are brilliant and make me feel at ease”.  Elizabeth and Paul Flynn added “We love this place and its surroundings. Everything is on our doorstep and we feel very secure and are very happy.” A variety of exciting programmes will be held by Respond and other National and local organisations at the College throughout the year and Respond hope members of the local community will participate in the activities planned. If you would like more information about up and coming events please contact David on 051 840200.

Residents and Staff on the steps of College House formerly known as John’s College