At West End Village, part of the Staffs Housing community, neighbours become friends and residents quickly feel at home. Just ask Ann 71, and Margaret 87, two women whose friendship blossomed within the village and who now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
Ann has called West End Village home since the day it opened 14 years ago. At the time, she was living in Stoke and dealing with health challenges. She remembers driving past the new development thinking, “I wish I could live there.” Eventually, she took the leap and applied and as she says, the rest is history.
“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” she says. “It’s such a lovely community. Everybody knows everybody, and we all look out for one another. It’s such a caring, compassionate place to live.”
Not long after moving in, Ann met Margaret, and the two hit it off straight away. Their bond has only grown stronger over the years, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to supporting those around them. “We just naturally looked out for each other,” Ann says.
Margaret, who was born in Stoke, has always had a heart for helping others. Her journey has taken her from working in a building society and raising a family, to volunteering with the Women’s Voluntary Service, where she helped launch the Meals on Wheels programme still a vital service today. She later worked in adult social care, looking after people and making sure they were safe and well in their homes. Her career even took her to Michelin, where she worked with bus companies to log and track tyre mileage. After years of dedicated service, Margaret retired early to spend more time with her husband, who sadly later became unwell. While he had to move into care, Margaret was still able to move into West End Village on her own, a decision she’s never regretted.
“I’m so happy here,” Margaret says. “I’m surrounded by people who care for me, and I love to give back and support others too.”
Together, Margaret and Ann brought something truly meaningful to the village: a multi-faith service they call Faith in the Village. With two other residents, they organise a service every two weeks made up of hymns, prayer, and friendly conversation. Ann even completed a Bishop’s Certificate through the Anglican Church, which allows her to lead services. Vicars from different faiths are regularly welcomed into the village, creating a space where everyone feels included and heard. There’s even a prayer tree, where residents can leave messages and wishes to be included in the service.
Outside of the services, the pair are always ready with a listening ear. Ann often spends quiet time in the lounge, where she’s found people naturally gravitate toward her when they need someone to talk to.
“Sometimes people just need to know someone is there,” she says. “I’m always happy to offer a bit of support or reassurance.”
Margaret shares that same spirit. She tends to the communal garden with other residents, helping to keep it looking beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Both she and Ann also volunteer in the village library, lovingly calling themselves the “honorary librarians.” They make sure the space is tidy and inviting, and support a local reading group that meets regularly. “It’s a little safe haven,” Margaret says. “We like to keep it organised so everyone can enjoy it.”
For Ann, life at West End Village is also about flexibility. Her grandson comes to stay with her every other Friday – something the village easily accommodates. “It’s lovely having him over. It’s so family-friendly here. You really can make it your own.”
Looking back, both Ann and Margaret are certain they made the right choice. “To anyone thinking of moving here – I’d say do it,” Margaret says. “It’s the best decision we made. We have our own lives, but within the village we’ve found a true community. The staff are brilliant and go above and beyond. It’s a wonderful place to live.”
At Staffs Housing, we’re proud to provide homes where people like Ann and Margaret can thrive – surrounded by support, friendship and opportunities to give back.
Want to live at West End Village?
Find out more about life here: www.staffshousing.org.uk/westendvillage
