Greenhill Housing Association is celebrating a major milestone after successfully securing £40,000 Community Benefit Funding from LHC. This achievement marks a significant step forward in enhancing the wellbeing of residents at Ewart House Extra Care Scheme in Harrow, while also strengthening connections across the wider community.
This funding will enable two tenant‑led projects that directly respond to the needs, voices, and aspirations of older residents—many of whom face mobility challenges, long‑term health conditions, or the daily reality of social isolation. With 64 homes at Ewart House and a further 16 tenants from nearby Becket Fold, these improvements will touch the lives of many.
Listening to tenants, shaping the future
The vision for these projects has been shaped through extensive consultation, surveys, informal conversations, and one‑to‑one discussions. Tenants consistently expressed the need for accessible, welcoming spaces that encourage connection, offer affordable food options, and provide easier access to everyday services.
Some tenants fondly recalled the former onsite café, sharing how it “made life feel less lonely” and gave them a reason to leave their flats. Others described how even “waiting for a hairdresser appointment in the communal lounge feels better than sitting alone at home.” These reflections highlight the profound impact that shared spaces and informal social contact can have on wellbeing.
A community hub for all
The benefits of this funding will extend far beyond Ewart House. Greenhill will work with local schools, youth groups, and volunteer networks to create intergenerational activities, from gardening to shared meals—that bring people of all ages together. The café hub, in particular, will be open to the wider community, helping to reduce isolation and build a more connected Harrow.
Alongside the funded projects, Greenhill is also investing in refurbishing the main lounge with new décor, furniture, and seating, creating a warm, inviting environment for residents, families, and friends.
Project 1: Community kitchen & café
The existing commercial kitchen will be fully recommissioned and transformed into a tenant‑led café hub—a vibrant space for socialising, learning, and enjoying nutritious meals.
Key activities will include:
- Eat well cookery courses Two six‑week programmes combining hands‑on cooking with shared dining.
- Gardening workshops Six sessions where tenants grow herbs and vegetables for use in the café, promoting sustainability and healthy eating.
- Volunteer training Three tenants will gain Level 2 Food Hygiene certification and café hosting skills.
- Tenant project panel Quarterly meetings to co‑design, review, and shape the service.
This café will offer more than food, it will provide purpose, companionship, and opportunities to build confidence and new skills.
Project 2: wellness centre
The former salon will be reinstated as a wellbeing centre, offering onsite access to essential health and personal care services. For many tenants, travelling to appointments is difficult; bringing these services into the building removes barriers and supports independence.
The centre will host monthly visits from:
- Hairdressers
- Podiatrists
- Other health and wellbeing professionals
Designed in partnership with tenants, the Wellness Centre will also be available to Greenhill residents living outside Ewart House, ensuring wider access to care in a familiar, comfortable setting.
Measuring impact, building a better future.
Both projects aim to:
- Reduce loneliness
- Improve physical and mental health
- Build skills and confidence
- Strengthen community connections
- Promote sustainable, environmentally conscious living
Success will be measured through attendance logs, wellbeing surveys, and ongoing tenant feedback, ensuring the projects continue to evolve in line with residents’ needs.
A proud moment for Greenhill
Securing the full £40,000 LHC Community Benefit Funding is a testament to Greenhill’s commitment to tenant‑led decision‑making, community wellbeing, and creating spaces where older people feel valued, connected, and supported.
These projects will breathe new life into Ewart House, turning shared spaces into hubs of activity, comfort, and community spirit.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in shaping this vision, especially the tenants whose voices guided every step.
Written by: Jodie Sills, Project Officer, Greenhill Housing Association