Reflections on the Amar Bari Launch and why this work matters today

Attending February's launch of the Amar Bari, Amar Jibon report at the House of Lords was both a privilege and an inspiration. It was clear from the outset that an extraordinary amount of hard work, commitment and thoughtful research had gone into this project. The event itself felt like a celebration not only of the report’s publication, but of the collaboration, empathy and determination behind it. My congratulations to everyone involved.

Having now read the full 75-page report, those impressions have only deepened. The research is thorough, powerful and timely. It shines a spotlight on the experiences and needs of Bangladeshi ‘probins’ and their families, issues that resonate far beyond a single community. As I listened to the launch, I was struck by how many of the challenges described mirror those faced across a wide range of ethnic minority communities in the UK. Housing shortages, social deprivation, poverty, health inequalities and the fragility of wellbeing are not new, but the report brings renewed clarity to where attention and action are most needed.

The findings also made me reflect on my own circumstances. As a resident of an Integrated Retirement Community operated by ExtraCare Charitable Trust, I recognise how fortunate my household has been to find a model of retirement living that aligns with our values of being integrated, supportive and rooted in a shared community. We are among the lucky ones. This only strengthens my desire to see life improve for others, especially where cultural identity and multigenerational living are central to people’s wellbeing.

For me personally, the work stirred memories of my own upbringing. Growing up in London during and after the Second World War, my family lived across three generations under one roof, a way of life rooted in care, closeness and shared responsibility. To see these values reflected in the desires of today’s Bangladeshi elders reinforces how universal the need for connection and culturally grounded support really is.

What also stood out is the strength of the partnerships behind this programme. The organisations involved have demonstrated a deep empathy for the communities they represent. Their support, combined with the platform provided by Housing LIN, has ensured this research reaches the audiences who can influence real change. Housing LIN continues to play a vital role in surfacing the big issues, prompting constructive debate and pushing for solutions, whether around integrated housing, social care or the national commitment to build 1.5 million homes. This leadership is invaluable.

For anyone with an interest in housing, ageing, community wellbeing or culturally sensitive services, this report is essential reading. It not only highlights the problems but also points clearly toward the opportunities and actions that could transform lives.

I look forward to continuing this conversation at future webinars, events and wherever this important work takes us next!

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Launched on the Bangladeshi Independence Day on Saturday, 26 March 2022, ‘Amar bari, amar jibon’ (My home, my life): developing living environments for Bangladeshi elders, was a pioneering 36-month research project that focused on the entrenched housing and health inequalities of Bangladeshi elders (‘probin’ in Bangla) in East London.

We are now pleased to share the final report publication, launched at the House of Lords by Lord Best in February 2026, marking the culmination of the coproduced study on the housing experiences, needs and aspirations of older Bangladeshi communities in four East London boroughs, with evidence-led recommendations for policy, recognition and action.