A Clarion resident who was instrumental in setting up Clarion 55, our national network that gives a voice to residents over the age of 55 on key issues, has passed away at the age of 75.
Antonie Bakhujsen ensured the voices of his peers were heard in the shaping of Clarion’s strategies, projects, and policies. He spoke passionately about the needs of residents living in our LiveSmart schemes and was an advocate for those who he felt were socially isolated or lonely in their properties.
As a member of Clarion 55, Antonie played a pivotal part in the development and delivery of several resident-designed projects, including the piloting of a national Homeshare scheme (bringing younger and older residents together in a co-housing model); the launch of Let the Light In, an innovative lighting project to test how simple lighting design in our communities could contribute to better wellbeing and happiness; and the Wellbeing 10, a project set up after the pandemic, which gave Clarion Response and extra 10 minutes in older residents’ homes to ‘just have an informal chat’.
Amy Lawson, Strategic Head of Specialist Services, said: “Antonie was passionate about housing for our older residents and ensuring they got the best service we could deliver. His work with Clarion 55 really impacted on the work we do; his friendly, but challenging approach, allowed us to focus on what we do, and how we do it. His input was valued and important to us - he will be missed as an involved resident but remembered fondly for all his dedicated work for Clarion and our residents.”
Antonie also helped to shape the Customer Strategy and most recently, led on a project to survey the experiences of those living in our LiveSmart schemes in partnership with Resident Involvement. He was an active member of his LiveSmart scheme, setting up projects and activities to ensure that nobody didn’t have somewhere to go. He will be a much-missed neighbour and friend who will leave a great legacy.
Michelle Reynolds, Chief Customer Officer, said: “Antonie was a highly regarded and valued resident whose passion for creating connected and happy communities, led him to have a great impact as a member of Clarion 55. We are so grateful for the time he contributed as an involved resident and his energy and ideas will be sorely missed by both staff and the residents who knew him.”
Anne, a Clarion 55 member, said: “Tony was a good man; he would help you any way he could. He had a great sense of humour and was always there if you needed a chat. I miss him very much and Minerva Lodge is not the same without him.”
Alison, also a Clarion 55 member, said: “Antonie was a fierce defender of the residents at LiveSmart schemes. In his own scheme he spent a lot of effort trying to get people to mix together to combat loneliness and isolation – his top tip was ‘offer people food! It was a pleasure knowing him and working with him on Clarion55.”
