Vivarium is for people who choose to live in a positive, co-operative and responsible manner with family, friends, neighbours and the environment.
Recent research shows that housing options for older people are limited and do not meet the needs of a population who are increasingly active, and who are seeking to retain their full cognitive faculties for as long as possible whilst wishing to enjoy a sense of dignity and self worth. It is against this backdrop that Vivarium was born.
The pilot project will be for older people who recognise the difficulties of living in rural areas. These are people who will choose to live in a co-operative fashion and continue to contribute in a meaningful way to society. Vivarium members hope to remain active and involved in life for as long as possible, not simply to be provided for and be dependent upon health care support mechanisms.
- Vivarium membership groups will be self managing and members will be involved in the decision making process throughout.
- Vivarium members will have a desire to live in a co-operative manner, sharing resources thus going someway to alleviating problems of food and fuel poverty.
- Communal areas are integral to the concept of cohousing, providing areas where residents can meet and feel part of the community.
- This concept can be applied inter- generationally and to any "common interest groups".
For more information, click here or contact Hugh Hoffman, Vice Chairman, The Vivarium Trust on 01337-831403. E-mail Hugh via his contact form.
Vivarium gets charity status
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 21:55 — Hugh_HoffmanThe Vivarium Trust, based in North East Fife, has been delighted to hear that its application for charity status has been accepted by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Vivarium was set up four years ago to promote Co-Housing for older people and to educate policy-makers and the public about the benefits of this style of living.
Co-Housing is a combination of individual homes plus shared common facilities. Members choose to live in a loose community where social contact with one another avoids the risk of isolation, especially for older people. The whole development is set up and managed by members themselves who retain full responsibility for their own circumstances.
