ST HELENS Council's Housing Services department, as one of the major providers of sheltered housing in the Borough, joined other organisations to stage a two-day sheltered housing exhibition in the Hardshaw Centre.

Coinciding with National Sheltered Housing Week, the event aimed to make people aware of what sheltered housing is and how it can benefit older people and those with special housing needs.

The council teamed up with Anchor Housing, Grosvenor Housing, Merseyside Improved Homes. Visitors had the chance to find out what facilities are available at particular local housing schemes.

Sheltered housing offers specially-adapted flat or bungalow accommodation with access to a warden, either directly or through a 'lifeline' system linking residents with mobile wardens. Most schemes have their own communal rooms, as well as other amenities such as laundries and guest room facilities.