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

22 April 2025

We hope you had a relaxing bank holiday weekend.

Later this week, we’ve got plenty to share — from further information about our upcoming HAPPI Hour webinar series and a report launch as part of the ISPA project, to a new blog by InCommon marking Global Intergenerational Week, offering a one-year reflection on their collaboration with us.

But first, in this edition of the newsletter:

Learning disability and housing choices: New Local Government Association report shares best practices, with input from Housing LIN and Learning Disability England.
Inclusive cities: Prof. Tine Buffel offers insights on age-friendly urban design, inspired by our Leeds Festival of Ideas, in a new Housing LIN blog.
Upgrading almshouses: Historic England’s new guide on modernising almshouses while preserving heritage.
National Housing Design Awards 2025 shortlist: 48 innovative housing schemes announced — from retirement living to intergenerational homes.
Dementia research: Bournemouth University seeks housing professionals' input ahead of our 22 May HAPPI Hour webinar.

And lots more!

We hope this week’s HLINks newsletter provides you with useful insights and inspiration. Read on for the latest sector news, resources and events.

Best wishes,

The Housing LIN Team

Resource Roundup

Best practice and insights report on improving housing choice for people with a learning disability

This report from the Local Government Association explores how people with a learning disability can live in mainstream housing, rather than in supported settings like care homes or Shared Lives. It features input from individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and 15 councils.

Housing LIN and Learning Disability England helped centre lived experiences in the report.

Expert Insights

Insights into Building Inclusive Cities: Reimagining Age-Friendly Urban Communities

This new Housing LIN guest blog by Professor Tine Buffel explores the pressing issues of urban ageing and spatial justice, inspired by the Housing LIN’s Festival of Ideas conference in Leeds.

Sector News and Announcements

New guide to managing development of historic almshouses

Historic England have published advice, developed with the support of the Almshouse Association, on how the heritage significance of almshouses can be conserved as proposals for upgrading accommodation are developed.

National Housing Design Awards 2025 shortlist announced

Design for Homes, the organisers of the National Housing Design Awards (HDA), have announced that 48 schemes have been shortlisted for this year’s awards, including a selection of retirement homes/extra care housing developments, supported housing developments, cohousing developments and one shortlisted scheme that specifically refers to some homes for intergenerational living.

Are you a housing professional? Take part in this dementia awareness survey

Ahead of joining our HAPPI Hour webinar on Thursday, 22 May 2025 to coincide with Dementia Action Week, Bournemouth University are seeking housing professionals to take part in a research project on dementia and the housing workforce.

What else caught our interest...

Age UK report: Back to cutbacks: How older people are managing the cost of living in a time of rising energy prices
North East and North Cumbria NHS YouTube video: Sir James Mackey on leadership, responsibility, and the future of the NHS
Pathways report: “Helping or Harming?” The Homeless & Inclusion Health Barometer 2025
The King’s Fund report: Place-based Partnerships: Challenges And Opportunities

Dates for your diary

We’ve been working behind the scenes to bring you an amazing Spring/Summer series of HAPPI Hour webinars, kicking off on 6th May, 2025! The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here – registrations are now OPEN!

Hurry, spots are limited and it’s first-come, first-served!

International and National perspectives on Intergenerational Living 06/05/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Understanding the Housing preferences of Older People 13/05/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Dementia, Housing and Enabling Communities 22/05/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Pride and overcoming prejudice – Making safe choices 03/06/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Carers in Extra Care Housing 10/06/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Sustaining Almshouses for the 21st Century 17/06/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Supported housing, supporting people – creating the right housing choices 01/07/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Housing Adaptations for Health 15/07/2025, 4pm - 5pm
Promoting Diversity in Housing for a Diverse Older Population 22/07/2025, 4pm - 5pm

We look forward to welcoming you! In the meantime, you can watch all previous HAPPI Hour webinar recordings here.

Housing LIN Research Projects and Advisory Services

Curious about the various projects the Housing LIN is engaged in? These range from pioneering research partnerships with universities to the development of innovative tools and resources aimed at influencing policy and practice. Learn more here!

Building on our highly-prized learning and improvement ethos, the Housing LIN can also 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 Research and Advisory Services.