HLINks Weekly: Housing, Health, and Social Care Latest News

News Highlights

Openreach announce the extension of the digital switchover timeline

Last week, Openreach announced a revision of the deadline for this transformation, extending it from the initial target of 31 December 2025, to 31 January 2027.

Although this provides more time to prepare, knowing where to go for help and advice is still an issue for many.

We share some practical tips and good practice examples of the adoption of digital-enabled tech solutions that enable person-centred care and support at home.

A Lifestory Group retirement living development wins a RIBA South East Award

We are delighted to see Lifestory Group’s stylish retirement living development, featuring 53 apartments available for rent or sale in Cobham, Surrey, named one of the winners of the 2024 RIBA South East Awards.

Lifestory Group is also a proud supporter of Housing LIN's South West Leadership Set. 

Amar Bari, Amar Jibon Professional Advisory Group meets for first time

The newly formed Amar Bari, Amar Jibon Professional Advisory (PAG) met online this week to receive a research update from project partners (The Open University, Bangla Housing Association and the Housing LIN) on the Dunhill Medical Trust funded project on the housing needs and choices of the Bangladeshi ‘probin’ community.

Resource Roundup

The Good Lives Manifesto 2024

With a General Election due to be called this year, it is more important than ever that the voices of people with learning disabilities are heard within politics and policy.

This Good Lives Manifesto 2024 by Learning Disability England, lays out important changes that people with learning disabilities, family members, and the people who work with them would like to see in the next government.

Bridging the Gaps In Evidencing Prevention: Key Findings from a Multi-site Study of Local Area Coordination

This evaluation report by the University of Hull examines the key benefits across four Local Area Coordination (LAC) projects overseen by Community Catalysts and the LAC Network. 

This research highlights the transformative impact of Local Area Coordination on people, communities, and the service system.

Expert Insights

New blog explores the relationship between housing quality and mental health

Published to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May 2024) this blog by Faye Sanders, Doctoral Researcher at the University of Bath, explores the relationship between housing quality and health, focusing on how poor housing conditions can impact mental health through biological pathways like DNA methylation.

An Architect’s Contribution to the Later Living Housing Standards

In this Housing LIN guest blog, Jo Oliveira, Group Design Manager - Technical Services at McCarthy Stone, reflects on her decade-long dedication to designing homes for older adults. 

The blog highlights the need for nationwide, scalable solutions to address the housing crisis, while acknowledging common pitfalls like commercial pressures and lack of personalisation.

Read on to learn how experts are designing beautiful, affordable and inclusive homes that redefine retirement living for older adults.

Member Spotlights

Our consultancy team recently visited Colebrook Warm Space in Plymouth as part of the Housing LIN Consultancy evaluation of the Clarion Housing Group Warm Spaces programme.

It was inspiring to speak with staff and visitors about their experiences - the community truly enjoys attending and engaging in various activities, like baking delicious flapjacks!

Over the next few weeks, we're excited to continue visiting these Warm Spaces across the country and chatting with more members of the community.

Dates For Your Diary

• HAPPI Hour - Embedding the TAPPI principles into our housing and care DNA
  Tuesday 21 May 2024 16:00 - 17:00
• HAPPI Hour - Housing and Health Partnerships: Top Tips for NHS Front Line Staff and Commissioners
  Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:00 - 17:00
• HAPPI Hour - Modern Hospice Design and End of Life Care in Housing with Care
  Tuesday 18 June 2024 16:00 - 17:00
• HAPPI Hour - Improving the Quality of our Homes and Communities for an Ageing Population
  Thursday 4 July 2024 16:00 - 17:00
• HAPPI Hour - Housing – Still Rising to the Dementia Challenge
  Tuesday 9 July 2024 16:00 - 17:00
• HAPPI Hour - Ageing well: Creating Healthy Homes and Sustainable Healthier Neighbourhoods
  Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:00 - 17:00

Events supported by Housing LIN

• ​​​​​​Join Housing LIN at the Housing 2024 Conference
  Housing LIN is pleased to offer its members a 25% discount code!
• Designing Homes for Sensory Differences Summit 2024
  From May to July, Neurodiverse Connection will be hosting four panel sessions, with expert speakers sharing good practice in housing design for autistic people and people with sensory needs.
• What Next? 2024 ARCO annual conference
  Housing LIN is pleased to offer its members a 10% discount code: WN24HL10

Housing LIN Consultancy

Consultancy, research & training services

Building on our highly-prized learning and improvement ethos, the Housing LIN can help you and your organisation underpin your progress in a changing and challenging work environment.

Let's Work Together! To find out how we can support your operational and/or strategic plans, contact us at consultancy@housinglin.org.uk or visit our consultancy pages.

Thank you Tunstall Healthcare

The Housing LIN would like to thank Tunstall Healthcare for its sponsorship of our news pages. This, along with this newsletter, enables us to bring the latest news and information on housing with care and technology matters to our members.