“I was always under the impression it was an old folks home, but when you walk in you realise it is nothing like that.”

“I can honestly say before I moved in, I had forgotten how to smile and it is the best thing that happened to me.”

“It is a lot cheaper than living in my own home and I am a lot happier.”

These were the words of Chris, who after moving into one of our Independent Living Centres in Shirebrook over three years ago, has never looked back.

He has his own independence but is safe in the knowledge that someone is there if needed. He has his own flat complete with wet room, but with the advantage of knowing if he wants company he can go into the residents lounge. He has an active social life where he can take part in and play activities and games. He has an outdoor space and garden to enjoy, without having to maintain it.

These are just a few of the things that Chris is enjoying about life in the Ashbourne Court complex.

And if you want to ‘be more like Chris’ then you can, as the finishing touches are being put to a multi-million pound refurbishment of a similar complex at Valley View in Hillstown that will virtually duplicate the facilities and activities on offer that Ashbourne Court has.

So, what is stopping you? Be more like Chris. Don’t worry about things you cannot change, embrace what you can. Live in the moment, appreciate the little things, seek out new experiences.
Valley View has the following facilities:

• One-bedroom flats with self-contained kitchen, independent heating system and wet room
• Secure electronic door entry system connected to the scheme manager and central monitoring suite
• Residents lounge where people can mingle, chat and socialise with weekly activities
• Full time scheme manager
• Scooter park where for a small charge you can charge up and store your scooter
• Outdoor spaces to enjoy the wildlife, catch some fresh air or watch the world go by
• 24-hour security systems in case of emergencies
• Countryside and valley views
• Close to amenities

If you are interested in independent living and are aged 60 or over, please telephone 01246 242424 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(opens in a new window) and our officers can talk you through prices, the accommodation and arrange to show you the available flats.