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

Resource Roundup

HAPPI Hour Webinar Recording - Dementia, Housing and Enabling Communities

Last week, for Dementia Action Week 2025, we partnered with the Dementia Housing Working Group for a HAPPI Hour webinar exploring innovative ways to create dementia-friendly communities, with a spotlight on the latest wellbeing research.

Special thanks to Ruth Eley (Director and Chair, tide) for hosting, and to our expert panel: Neil Crowther (Social Care Future), John Colquhuon (EngageD Now), Professor Arlene Astell (Northumbria University), and Dr Aisling Flynn (Bournemouth University).

• Rewatch

West Yorkshire leads the way on better housing for people with dementia

To mark the start of Dementia Action Week (19–25 May), West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin praised the efforts of the region’s 15 leading social housing providers for delivering more ‘dementia-ready’ homes.

She references a guide that aims to support those working in the housing sector to deliver dementia-ready homes and communities through planning, design, development, refurbishment and maintenance processes.  

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Beyond Adaptations: Launching Housing Without Delay

Building on the Adaptations Without Delay guide by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Housing LIN, the team has commissioned Foundations to develop Housing Without Delay, showcasing the essential role of occupational therapists in wider housing solutions.

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Sector News and Updates

Dementia Action Week: Spotlight on housing and dementia-friendly design

This Dementia Action Week (13–19 May 2024), the Alzheimer’s Society urged communities to act on dementia diagnosis and support. In the housing sector, it's a timely reminder of the critical role that inclusive, well-designed living environments play in supporting people with dementia to live independently for longer.

In support, we were pleased to share a collection of valuable resources to deepen awareness and understanding of these vital issues.

• Catch up

Clarion launches Making a Difference Fund as part of 125th anniversary celebrations

To mark its 125th anniversary, Clarion Futures (the charitable arm of Clarion Housing Group) has launched the Making a Difference Fund, offering grants of up to £5,000 for projects that bring communities together and celebrate shared hopes, skills, and pride in place.

The fund honours Clarion’s legacy, dating back to 1900 when William Sutton’s vision helped pioneer social housing in London.

• Find out more

Expert Insights

Tasked with addressing Older People’s Housing: 2 years on from the first Taskforce meeting

In this blog, Jeremy Porteus, CEO of Housing LIN, marks the second anniversary of the Older People’s Housing Taskforce and six months since its key report. He reflects on his journey on the Taskforce and the 100+ policy recommendations to improve housing for older adults.

From increasing supply to promoting age-friendly design and integrated care, the blog highlights the urgent need to adapt housing policy for an ageing population.

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New blog explores growing interest in almshouses and the future of community-led housing

This blog, written by Nick Phillips (Chief Executive at The Almshouse Association), who will be speaking in next month's HAPPI Hour webinar exploring the evolving role of almshouses in the 21st century, explores the growing interest in the almshouse model and its significant role in community-led housing for older people.

Read on to find out more about the lasting impact of almshouses, the importance of evidence-based advocacy, and the next steps in building a sustainable, inclusive future for community-based housing solutions.

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What else caught our interest...

• Accessible Housing Matters podcast: Designing for Dignity and Independence with Laura Wood
• BBC news: Rise in disabled people facing homelessness in England
• Health and Care Scotland: Dementia home care tech collab invites partners
• Homes England data: New figures show thousands more homes delivered across the country as Homes England exceeds targets
• Housing Today article: England is failing to plan for its ageing population – the spending review must put that right (subscribers only)
• Inside Housing article: NHF voices ‘serious concerns’ in response to supported housing consultation (subscribers only)
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation analysis: Where will cuts to sickness and disability benefits fall hardest?
• MHCLG statistics: English Housing Survey 2023 to 2024: Experiences of the 'housing crisis'
• NHF submission: The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act

Dates For Your Diary

Our Spring/Summer HAPPI Hour webinar series is in full swing! With two sessions already behind us and plenty more to come, now’s the perfect time to jump in. Spaces are filling quickly—grab your spot today!

• 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 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.