Charles Dickens Lodge

Extra care housing
Galgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8GD
Galgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8GD

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Managed by
Anchor
We believe that later life is for living

Helping people enjoy later life is our passion. It has been for 60 years. And today, we offer an impressive choice of housing, care homes and services at almost 1,700 locations across England.

Manager's Description

"For most of our Extra Care Housing estates we have agreements with the local authority to let a percentage of our vacant properties to people nominated by them. Anchor’s agreement for this estate is..." Show more "For most of our Extra Care Housing estates we have agreements with the local authority to let a percentage of our vacant properties to people nominated by them. Anchor’s agreement for this estate is that all of the allocations are managed by the local authority, Durham County Council, who can be contacted on 03000 26 0000.

Charles Dickens Lodge in Barnard Castle has a range of 36 Extra Care retirement apartments to offer you. The estate enjoys convenient on-site facilities such as a hair salon, restaurant, and a shop. The one and two bedroom properties are also handy for local shops, amenities and bus routes. A hot lunch can be taken in the pleasant restaurant, which overlooks the attractive courtyard garden.

You won’t have to worry about maintenance of the buildings/grounds as they are taken care of by the on-site manager, who can also assist you with accessing further help and support if required. With regular exercise classes, games sessions, tea/coffee mornings and group outings taking place, there’s every opportunity to socialise!" Show less

Main Facts

Extra care housing
Tenure(s): Rent (social landlord)
Care provider: Durham County Council
36 flats. Built in 2004. Sizes 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom. Includes mobility and wheelchair standard properties.
Extra Care scheme with on-site care staff (24 hours / 7 days), Non-resident management staff and Careline alarm service
Lift, Lounge, Restaurant open to the public, Laundry, Guest facilities, Garden, Shop, Hairdressing salon, Bar/pub, Library, Assisted bathing facility
Whole site accessible by wheelchair. Access to site easy. Distances: bus stop 100 yards; shop 200 yards; post office 0.25 mile(s); town centre 0.5 mile(s); GP 400 yards; social centre 100 yards.
Regular Social activities include: Bingo, coffeemornings, outings, craft fair, whist, scrabble, dominoes and creative movement., organised by Create. Meal(s) available (3 course meal at lunchtime within tenancy. Breakfast and tea also available from restaurant). New residents accepted from 55 years of age. Both cats & dogs generally accepted (subject to prior approval and conditions).
Housing Authority: Durham
Social Care Authority: Durham

Info updated: 15/05/2021
If you are the manager of Charles Dickens Lodge and want to update your information, please click here.

Availability

Anchor welcomes enquiries for future vacancies in this extra care housing scheme.

Comments made in nominations for the EAC National Housing for Older People Awards

"Welcoming, well run and homely. My mother moved recently and couldn't be happier. The ambiance, wonderful staff and generally pleasant atmosphere make..." Show more
"Welcoming, well run and homely. My mother moved recently and couldn't be happier. The ambiance, wonderful staff and generally pleasant atmosphere makes Charles Dickens a very happy place. Everyone goes the extra mile for the residents. Julie, Theresa every single member of staff is fabulous and the food outstanding. " Show less

Made by a visitor in 2019

"A wonderful, clean and homely place run by a very efficient Estate Manager. The staff are all pleasant, caring and welcoming and the home cooked food ..." Show more
"A wonderful, clean and homely place run by a very efficient Estate Manager. The staff are all pleasant, caring and welcoming and the home cooked food is of a very high standard. The building is always spotless. I am grateful my mother is so well cared for." Show less

Made by a visitor in 2019

"The staff are friendly and helpful. All the residents I have spoken are comfortable and happy "
Made by a volunteer in 2019

"The co-ordinator Julie does amazing work going above and beyond. All of the residents I meet there are so happy and seeming lead a fulfilled and inter..." Show more
"The co-ordinator Julie does amazing work going above and beyond. All of the residents I meet there are so happy and seeming lead a fulfilled and interesting life through the opportunities the home offers" Show less

Made by a in 2019

"This is a great place to live as there is so much going on with outings to different venues such as Seaside outings, Garden Centres Theatres, Enterta..." Show more
"This is a great place to live as there is so much going on with outings to different venues such as Seaside outings, Garden Centres Theatres, Entertainment, Games and lots more . I have lived here for over Eight years and I love it." Show less

Made by a resident in 2019

"Residents have independence and peace of mind knowing there is always help available. A wonderful atmosphere in thebHouse"
Made by a volunteer in 2019

"There is a happy atmosphere amongst the residents and the staff. The appointments are pleasant. Lots of things are done for the residents, including ..." Show more
"There is a happy atmosphere amongst the residents and the staff. The appointments are pleasant. Lots of things are done for the residents, including trips off - even helicopter rides. The volunteers are treated to a meal and a gift each year as a thank you." Show less

Made by a volunteer in 2019

"Extremely Friendly Helpful staff"
Made by a volunteer in 2019

"The atmosphere is always so welcoming. The residents are really enthusiastic about the activities and events that are organised and are so pleased wi..." Show more
"The atmosphere is always so welcoming. The residents are really enthusiastic about the activities and events that are organised and are so pleased with the way their views are taken into account." Show less

Made by a visitor in 2019

"A great place for residents supported by a fantastic and dedicated Estate Manager and on site team"
Made by a staff member in 2019

"I am the area manager for this scheme and I visit every 6 - 8 weeks. The residents here are so happy and friendly. They speak so highly of the estate ..." Show more
"I am the area manager for this scheme and I visit every 6 - 8 weeks. The residents here are so happy and friendly. They speak so highly of the estate manager Julie Fawcett. She is so caring and kind but always remains professional. " Show less

Made by a visitor in 2019

"Relaxed environment for my 93 year old mother who enjoys the staff and the care staff who make her life comfortable and varied with a range of interes..." Show more
"Relaxed environment for my 93 year old mother who enjoys the staff and the care staff who make her life comfortable and varied with a range of interesting activities." Show less

Made by a visitor in 2019

"I feel confident that my mum is cared for and respected"
Made by a visitor in 2019

"All staff are always ☺smiley and helpful."
Made by a resident in 2019

"Residents encouraged to treat it like their own home but with support. Excellent accommodation, staff, food and varied activities for the residents."
Made by a volunteer in 2019

"I manage the scheme and I arrange a wide and varied programme of events for all abilities. Charles Dickens Lodge is a fantastic provision for the olde..." Show more
"I manage the scheme and I arrange a wide and varied programme of events for all abilities. Charles Dickens Lodge is a fantastic provision for the older client group and we strive to prove that age is no barrier as we have even been on 2 helicopter flights..." Show less

Made by a staff member in 2019

"Staff always pleasant, kind and helpful. Premises always clean. Lovely food with cheery chef & kitchen staff."
Made by a resident in 2017

"Ideal for the people that it was built for"
Made by a resident in 2017

"My mother has a pleasant spacious flat in Dickens Lodge with lovely views over the owners' garden. The flat is very warm and comfortable and she has s..." Show more
"My mother has a pleasant spacious flat in Dickens Lodge with lovely views over the owners' garden. The flat is very warm and comfortable and she has settled in well and has mixed well with the other residents." Show less

Made by a visitor in 2017

"Friendly small warm and welcoming "
Made by a visitor in 2017

"Pleasant, well appointed building. Friendly, efficient carers, cleaners and kitchen staff."
Made by a resident in 2017

"It covers my needs while I keep my independence."
Made by a resident in 2017

"I like to retain my independence but still enjoy the fact that I live in a clean, warm, safe & caring facility."
Made by a resident in 2017

"I have visited friends here for several years and always have found it a welcoming place where staff and residents support each other. I now help as a..." Show more
"I have visited friends here for several years and always have found it a welcoming place where staff and residents support each other. I now help as a volunteer in the shop and really enjoy my time there." Show less

Made by a volunteer in 2017

"We have a uncle living there; he is well looked after by the brilliant staff, who are excellent, nothings a trouble. The manager Julie is a friend to ..." Show more
"We have a uncle living there; he is well looked after by the brilliant staff, who are excellent, nothings a trouble. The manager Julie is a friend to all the residents; and the caring staff are brilliant." Show less

Made by a visitor in 2017

"Always clean and airy. Staff always pleasant and helpful and my mum is very well supported. Plenty for her to do and care when she needs it."
Made by a visitor in 2017

"Its just a lovely environment in which to be. The residents are well looked after and treated with respect. We are encouraged to participate in all th..." Show more
"Its just a lovely environment in which to be. The residents are well looked after and treated with respect. We are encouraged to participate in all the activities and outings that are done for us. So yes its a great place to be." Show less

Made by a resident in 2017

"I like living here because it is just like home; everything I want, and everybody is kind."
Made by a resident in 2017

"Staff and residents are lovely and is kept lovely by our estate manager"
Made by a staff member in 2017

"The staff go that extra mile to provide the residents with a variety of different activities to get involved with. The building is welcoming and the ..." Show more
"The staff go that extra mile to provide the residents with a variety of different activities to get involved with. The building is welcoming and the grounds are beautiful as well as being a haven for wildlife" Show less

Made by a visitor in 2017

"Charles dickens lodge is one big happy family and is a fun place to be. There are regular social events, classes, fun afternoons and evenings. The ten..." Show more
"Charles dickens lodge is one big happy family and is a fun place to be. There are regular social events, classes, fun afternoons and evenings. The tenants all make the decision on what happens in CDL and family and friends love it too." Show less

Made by a staff member in 2017

"Very friendly staff. Always feel welcome on entering and the communal areas are immaculate. Always lots going on for residents and people seem happy t..." Show more
"Very friendly staff. Always feel welcome on entering and the communal areas are immaculate. Always lots going on for residents and people seem happy to join in. The staff always make time for special events like Christmas, Halloween, Easter etc. which makes this place a home for everyone here" Show less

Made by a visitor in 2017

"Charles Dickens Lodge is a beautiful and safe place to live.The staff are warm and go out of there way to make my husbands grandmother feel at home."
Made by a visitor in 2017

" The Christmas display with lights and decorations is uplifting, gardens and interior are loved so family and friends can't wait to visit! The Housing..." Show more
" The Christmas display with lights and decorations is uplifting, gardens and interior are loved so family and friends can't wait to visit! The Housing Manager thinks outside the box to find activities and experiences that are new and challenging for tenants, dignifying them with a respect for their lives." Show less

Made by a visitor in 2017

"It is a great place, the staff are always so friendly and helpful. There always seems to be plenty of things going on."
Made by a volunteer in 2017

" I am a volunteer in the shop and enjoy meeting the tenants who come in to buy but also to have a chat. The whole atmosphere is friendly and caring an..." Show more
" I am a volunteer in the shop and enjoy meeting the tenants who come in to buy but also to have a chat. The whole atmosphere is friendly and caring and has a homely feel. Excellent place to be." Show less

Made by a volunteer in 2017

"I have been in several of the residential homes locally, but Charles Dickens Lodge seems different - it has a lovely atmosphere and all the residents ..." Show more
"I have been in several of the residential homes locally, but Charles Dickens Lodge seems different - it has a lovely atmosphere and all the residents seem to be very happy living there and the staff are all very hard working and pleasant." Show less

Made by a volunteer in 2017

"Offers residents independence and care in a wonderful community atmosphere"
Made by a volunteer in 2017

"It's a friendly and forward looking environment. There's always lots for tenants to do and as a visitor, or working there, you always feel welcome."
Made by a visitor in 2017

"Tenants are encouraged by all the staff to lead as much as an independent life as possible. Staff are especially caring for all tenants providing exce..." Show more
"Tenants are encouraged by all the staff to lead as much as an independent life as possible. Staff are especially caring for all tenants providing excellent housekeeping, nutritious meals and also aim to arrange varied entertainment, exercise classes and trips out to stimulate active minds." Show less

Made by a volunteer in 2017

"We promote independence whilst offering tailored support services. Hanover provides a fantastic establishment and all our staff are amazing. We also o..." Show more
"We promote independence whilst offering tailored support services. Hanover provides a fantastic establishment and all our staff are amazing. We also offer a wide variety of entertainment, activities and outings and tenants can join in if they so wish. We have everything on site that anyone could wish for." Show less

Made by a staff member in 2017
Managed by
Anchor
We believe that later life is for living

Helping people enjoy later life is our passion. It has been for 60 years. And today, we offer an impressive choice of housing, care homes and services at almost 1,700 locations across England.

Memberships
ARCO: The manager of this facility is a member of Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO), the main body representing the retirement community sector the UK.
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