Habinteg’s independent living scheme for people with head injuries celebrates 30 years | Latest news

A Kent development of eight flats, designed for people with head injuries to live independently, has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a commemorative plaque for its founders.

When Habinteg Housing Association’s Headway Court in Rusthall, near Tunbridge Wells opened in 1995, it was the first-ever residential scheme designed for head injury survivors in the Kent county - and it remains the only one.

The scheme was founded by the late Pam Munro MBE, and her husband Michael for their son, John, who survived a head injury. The Munros helped raise funds for the construction.

There are eight, one-bedroom accessible flats, which have a kitchen, living room, bedroom, wet room, and a shared garden. The block has been owned by Habinteg since around 2011.

A real sense of security

Tenant Chris Perry has lived at the development since it opened, and he remembers the Munros being industrious.

“Pam and Michael worked really hard to make this place happen,” he said. “I’m one of a few people here with a lifetime tenancy and it offers me a real sense of security. It’s a great place to live… it’s nice, safe, and quiet in the village, with a lively community cafe.”

Another resident, Andy Moody, who has called the scheme home for 27 years, said: “I think living here has helped me to build confidence. It’s allowed me to focus on what I like doing, and that’s working a few days a week at a local charity shop.”

The event culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the Munros by Langton Green and Speldhurst Councillor, Jayne Sharratt, who is also the editor of local magazine Rusthall Life.

Celebrating the Munros

Ms. Sharratt said: “I’ve been a resident of Rusthall village for 17 years, so it’s an honour to be asked to do this. Headway Court residents have become valued members of the community and its testament to this housing scheme that they have a safe place to live.

“What a debt of gratitude we owe to Pam and Michael for their vision 30 years ago, to create such a secure and happy home.”

Habinteg’s Surrey and Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Coordinator, Karen Blissett said: “It was a fantastic day…it was great to see everyone getting together to celebrate such a big occasion for Headway Court.

“Headway Court is the result of Pam and Michael’s hard work and determination, so we are so pleased that they are being remembered with a plaque.”

The event was attended by local councillors, Headway Court residents, members of the local community and Habinteg staff.