A group of residents at Vasey RSL Care Cheltenham Ex-Service Accommodation (ESA) provide a greatly-valued service, helping out new residents with white goods and furniture when needed.

Alan (front) with Executive General Manager, Corinne Lyon (and Freddie) with Dave at the back

New ESA residents come to us from a whole variety of situations and circumstances. While some move from their old home and have everything they need, others have faced circumstances that have left them without the basic necessities.

The team at our Cheltenham ESA, led by Alan Murphy, has a great system of recycling good quality second hand items to help them out.

“If a resident leaves and has things they no longer need, or if someone upgrades their couch for example, the pre-loved items goes into storage,” says Amanda Smith, Property Manager Veteran Services.

“Everything has to be in good condition, though,” she adds. “And we always ensure new bed linen, towels etc are provided if needed.”
Alan and the team help new residents feel welcomed and supported.

“This is a great service these guys are doing,” says Chris Gray, Executive General Manager Veteran Services.

“They are always there to help new residents settle in: some of them have experienced similar circumstances, so they have a lot of empathy and this is exactly what new residents often need a friendly face, someone who has ‘walked in their shoes’.”

The support is not limited to Cheltenham though: if residents at another of our ex-service accommodation sites need the same help, the team heads over with whatever is needed.

“I just want to acknowledge the great job they do,” says Chris. “They have developed this brilliant service themselves. It’s camaraderie in action.”