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

News Highlights

Housing LIN CEO Records Almshouse Association Podcast

Housing LIN CEO Jeremy Porteus recently joined Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, in Ewelme, Oxfordshire, to record an episode for a forthcoming podcast series.

Their discussion explored the vital role of almshouses in meeting the housing needs of older people and strengthening community connections. We look forward to sharing the series in early 2026!

• Read on

5 days left to go! Call for evidence from APPG Inquiry into Creating Intergenerational Communities

Earlier this year, the APPG on Housing and Care for Older People launched an Inquiry into ‘Creating Intergenerational Communities,’ co-chaired by Lord Best and Anna Dixon MP. Three sessions have so far gathered insights from practitioners and residents.

Now at its mid-point, the Inquiry is calling for further examples from those involved in or living in intergenerational communities. Submissions should cover design features, benefits, challenges, and lessons learned to inform practical recommendations for policymakers, developers, and housing providers.

Please email your evidence by Friday, 17 October 2025 to research@housinglin.org.uk.

• Submit your evidence here

Resource Roundup

New insights from Appleby Blue: Rethinking housing for later life

Almshouses have long played an important role in providing affordable, community-focused housing for older people, offering a model of care and connection that remains relevant today.

Following last week's HAPPI Hour webinar on Almshouses Reimagined, we are delighted to share a new Housing LIN Viewpoint (No. 114) and Case Study (No. 177) by guest speaker Alison Benzimra, Head of Research & Influence at United St Saviour’s Charity.

These publications shed light on what Appleby Blue is teaching us about the future of ageing, community, and housing. We’re eagerly awaiting this week’s Stirling Prize announcement!

• Read here

HAPPI Hour webinar recording - Almshouses Reimagined

We’re pleased to share last week’s HAPPI Hour webinar, which explored how almshouses are evolving as community investors, building partnerships and creating innovative housing to meet the needs of today’s older communities.

A big thank you to Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors for chairing, and to United St Saviour’s Charity and The Almshouse Association for their participation and insights. 

The session was incredibly insightful! But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a delegate had to say: "An engaging and comprehensive event, evidencing both the challenges and successes of strategic partnerships."

• Watch recording

The implications of population ageing for social policy

The UK population is ageing steadily. In recognition of this, the House of Commons Library has published this briefing on the implications of population ageing for social policy in relation to health and social care, as well as pensions, education and housing.

• Read briefing

Housing LIN supports World Mental Health Day 2025

Last week, we were proud to support World Mental Health Day 2025, led by the Mental Health Foundation, emphasising mental well-being for older adults and the role of safe, supportive housing.

Click the link below to explore research, projects, and guidance on our mental health and housing resources.

• Explore resources

Expert Insights

It’s crucial that the rights that we have are used to their fullest extent

In this Housing LIN guest blog, barrister Catherine Casserley, an expert in equality, human rights, and employment law, examines the 30-year legacy of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Drawing on her legal experience from its inception to the Equality Act 2010, she reflects on housing equality progress, persistent gaps, and urges renewed action to achieve genuinely barrier-free housing, as part of our DDA30 series.

• Read blog

What else caught our interest...

• BBC World Service programme: The preschool in a retirement home
• Centre for Ageing Better news: Dorset becomes the 100th Age-friendly Community
• Fairer Finance article: How can housing wealth bridge the later life funding gap?
• Inside Housing: Last chance to share your views on fuel poverty
• Invisible Creations blog: Accessible, Safe, and Stylish: How Grab Rails Can Support Ageing in Place
• This is Money: Britain's housing market is not working - we must help people downsize, says McCarthy & Stone boss
• Town news: Two new cohousing communities coming to Cambridge
• UK Cohousing Network news: Nationwide Foundation Announces Backing for UK Cohousing

Dates for your diary

Autumn/Winter HAPPI Hour webinars

We’re now two sessions into our exciting HAPPI Hour webinar series, and there’s so much more to come! Join expert-led discussions on key topics in housing and ageing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Browse the full programme and register your free place today:

• Suitable Housing for an Ageing Population Evidence Exchange – The SHAPE of things to come on 14th October 2025, 4pm - 5pm
• Towards Age-Friendly Futures: Local practice and perspectives on 21st October 2025, 4pm - 5pm
• Driving Housing Delivery through Market Engagement on 28th October 2025, 4pm - 5pm
• 30 Years On: Reflecting on the Disability Discrimination Act and the road ahead on 11th November 2025, 3.30pm - 5pm
• Homes Built Together: Exploring Community-Led Housing & Cohousing on 18th November 2025, 4pm - 5pm
• Housing LIN Scotland Presents on 25th November 2025, 4pm - 5pm
• What the Housing Strategy means for supported and specialist housing on 2nd December 2025, 4pm - 5pm
• Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Organisation – Back to Basics on 9th December 2025, 4pm - 5pm
• Designing for Tomorrow: Future-Proof, Age-Friendly Homes on 16th December 2025, 4pm - 5pm

Want to know what we're working on?

From cutting-edge research with universities to creating tools that shape policy and practice, we’re driving innovation in the sector. Find out more!

We also offer tailored support to help you navigate today’s complex challenges, whether strategic or operational.

Let’s work together! Email us at consultancy@housinglin.org.uk or explore our Research and Advisory Services to learn more.