Methodist housing group MHA is celebrating 65 years of providing housing, support and care for the elderly.

At its annual general meeting, MHA highlighted just some of the progress it has made in the last year, which includes providing housing, care and support for an additional 500 older people after acquiring seven care homes and a housing scheme for a total of 267 older people in London, Southport, Blackpool and Oldham.

In the last year it has also developed two brand new care homes providing dementia and nursing in Aberystwyth, and residential and dementia care in Hitchin for over 150 people and opened a housing scheme with 24-hour care in Bradford.

In Bristol and Cornwall, MHA has completed new supported retirement housing for sale to enable older home owners to get the help they need while retaining their equity. The housing also offers church facilities to the local community.

MHA's Christian basis means that it provides not only physical support for older people but also works to take care of their spiritual needs, offering chaplaincy services and end of life expertise.

Special events have been held throughout MHA's care homes, housing and community service projects to celebrate the group's 65th anniversary.

"From such a solid foundation, we are continuing to provide more services for older people whilst maintaining our high standards," said Chief Executive, Roger Davies.

"All MHA services assessed by CSCI meet their independent quality ratings, with over 85% being classed as excellent' or 'good'.

"Meanwhile residents themselves awarded MHA a satisfaction level of 81% in our annual independent survey, reflecting MHA's focus on nurturing spiritual as well as physical well-being."