Lambeth sheltered scheme celebrates 40 years of community and care

His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Anthony Griffith, and the Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Adrian Garden, were among those who joined residents and their relatives to celebrate the occasion. They also joined the Prime Minister’s office in paying tribute to the scheme’s manager Tara Solanki, who has worked at Joe Hunte Court since the first residents moved in on 20 February 1986.

Master of Ceremonies at the event was Tara’s son Emile, a former student of Dunraven School in Streatham. He presented his mother with a letter from No 10 Downing Street, offering “warm congratulations and sincere appreciation” on the 40th anniversary of Joe Hunte Court, “on behalf of the Prime Minister”.

The letter added: “It is clear that your commitment over the last forty years has made a lasting difference to the lives of many and helped make Joe Hunte Court a place where residents can live independently while feeling supported, valued, and at home.”

When Joe Hunte Court first opened its doors on 20 February 1986, 37 per cent of its residents were from ethnically diverse backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of Lambeth and setting the tone for the inclusive community it would become.

Mrs Solanki was just 21 years old she started working at the new sheltered home, and she acknowledged that her south-east Asian heritage and her fluency in Gujarati enabled her to fully “communicate with the Asian elderly vulnerable residents.” She said supporting the residents of Joe Hunte Court for the past forty years “has been a real privilege.”

Speaking at the celebration, Emile Solanki reflected on growing up there with his two siblings:

“I had the privilege of being born and raised at Joe Hunte Court for 22 years,” he said. “The example set by my mother instilled in me the importance of compassion, patience and ensuring that elderly members of our community live their later years with dignity, peace and security.”

Residents also shared their experiences of life at the bustling scheme. While each of the 28 flats have full cooking facilities, many residents like to prepare meals in the communal kitchen and eat together.

Christine, 62, (pictured below) is one of the younger residents. She moved to Joe Hunte Court in 2024 following the death of her husband and now runs art therapy sessions for fellow residents and teaches digital skills. “It’s about staying connected and supporting each other,” she said. “That’s what makes this place special.”

As Joe Hunte Court looks ahead, the anniversary celebrated not just a building, but 40 years of community, inclusion and care. Lambeth Council manages 20 sheltered schemes across the borough.

The event could not have been possible without the generous support of our contractor OCO.