Ethos
Whiteley Village exists to enable its residents to live the best possible life in their particular circumstances. The emphasis is on promoting and supporting independence and choice by providing an environment within which residents can maximise their Physical, Social and Emotional Wellbeing. These aspects intertwine and overlap but all aspects of the Village can be linked back to these basic elements.
Physical Wellbeing
The foundation for all aspects of Village life is the promotion of physical wellbeing through:
Standards of Accommodation: The Village seeks to provide the best possible accommodation, specifically designed for its residents. The cottages are all being modernised in what, at a total of some £34 million, is probably the largest single-project investment in social housing.
Safety and Security: The Village promotes a feeling of security and safety. This is partly through physical design but, most importantly, through the feeling that, with neighbours looking out for each other and the permanent presence of staff on-site, nobody is left on their own.
Activities: Within each individual's limits, physical and mental fitness are encouraged through the many activities available.
Social Wellbeing
Outside the Village, one of the most serious issues facing older people is loneliness. Whilst every villager has the choice of what they want to do and what they want to join in with, the opportunities for involvement and socialising are almost endless. If enough people are interested, then a new society or club will form within the Village to meet that need. Whilst the Trust facilitates and supports the residents, all of the clubs and societies are run "by villagers, for villagers", which strengthens the feeling of involvement and self-determination.
Spiritual and Pastoral Wellbeing
Whilst not promoting any religion or system of beliefs over any other, the Village supports all its residents through the provision of pastoral care. The Village has a full-time chaplain, tasked with supporting all villagers of any religion or none. Whilst the Village is a vibrant and dynamic place that encourages residents to live life to the full, many residents wish to address the issues that loom larger as the years pass. To assist and support that process, the staff have and are further developing recognised expertise in end of life care.