West Side Villa, the newly renovated Sandys Parish Rest Home, has been officially opened by Lady Gozney and Health Minister Nelson Bascome. The $1.1 million revamp, in West Side Road, was the combined work of mental health charity Project 100, Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute and Sandys Parish Council.

About 100 people turned out for the opening of the building, which had been derelict for many years. Project 100 negotiated a 30-year lease on the property and obtained reduced rates from Benevides and Associates architects, Araujo Contractors construction group and Bda Project Managers building management experts.

The charity put in $600,000 of its funds and raised a further $620,000 from corporate donations. The new home has five bedrooms and will provide a home to six full-time residents.

MAWI is now able to house 66 people with learning disabilities into community home settings.