Habinteg’s independent living scheme for people with head injuries celebrates 30 years
Habinteg Housing Association’s first-ever residential scheme designed for head injury survivors in the Kent county to live independently has celebrated its 30th anniversary with the unveiling of 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.
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.
Jayne 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.
