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

News Highlights

Just Launched: New HAPPI Hour webinars – Reserve your spot today!

We’re delighted to launch our Spring/Summer HAPPI Hour webinar series, an engaging programme designed to connect professionals across housing, health and social care.

Running from April through July, each session explores key challenges and opportunities shaping homes and communities for an ageing population, with expert speakers, shared learning and interactive discussion.

• Explore the full HAPPI Hour webinar series

Brunelcare appoints new Interim Chief Executive Officer

Bristol-based charity Brunelcare is delighted to announce that Sonia Furzland has been appointed as its new Interim Chief Executive Officer. Sonia was chosen by the charity’s Board of Trustees and will take on the role from early May 2026.  

Sonia will succeed Oona Goldsworthy, who is stepping down as Brunelcare’s CEO at the end of April 2026, after six and a half years leading the charity.  

• Read the full news article

Resource roundup

Digital Telecare Readiness Report: Beyond the Switchover

Are housing providers ready for the digital switchover challenge? This was the question at the heart of the Digital Technology Housing Strategy Barometer from Housing LIN and Appello, with findings revealed in our two-part Digital Readiness Report 2026.

Following the publication of Part 1 , highlighting an “awareness paradox”, we are pleased to share Part 2 of the report, which explores the sector’s views on future technology investment.

• Read the report

Expert Insights

Building Your Crew: Reflections On Positive Leadership

In this new Housing guest blog, Rebecca Brown, North London Housing Graduate, Regional Operations Team at Clarion Housing, reflects on the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme and how it broadened her perspective beyond her own housing association, exposing her to diverse challenges and approaches across the sector.

• Read Rebecca's blog

From data to confidence: Stepping beyond my comfort zone

In a second Housing LIN guest blog, Cicily Biju, Senior Data Analyst at Housing LIN, explores what it really means to step outside your comfort zone.

Initially unsure about joining the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme, she reflects on how the experience pushed her beyond the familiarity of data and into new spaces of connection, communication and growth.

• Read Cicily's blog

What else caught our interest...

• Centre for Ageing Better resources: Developing a Good Home Hub
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health news: CIEH welcomes end to delay in implementation of revised HHSRS
• Chartered Institute of Housing toolkit: Rooted in Resilience toolkit
• Clarion Housing Group news: New AI app pilot to help thousands of Oxfordshire residents strengthen community connections
• DHSC blog: Live More – supporting people living with dementia to stay active, connected and well through Shared Lives
• Reengage UK report: Care on hold - Why digital-first GP access risks excluding older people
• Scottish Housing News item: What housing teams need to do ahead of the digital switch-off

Dates for your diary

HAPPI Hour webinars

Last week, we were pleased to launch our Spring/Summer HAPPI Hour webinar series! 

• Designing Intergenerational Communities for Wellbeing and Belonging on 28th April, 4pm - 5pm
• My Home, My Life: Housing, culture and wellbeing in later life — Insights from the Amar Bari Amar Jibon research on 5th May, 4pm - 5pm
• Strengthening mental wellbeing through housing for an ageing population in Wales on 12th May, 4pm - 5pm
• Housing: Still Rising to the Dementia Challenge – Dementia Friendly Fun on 19th May, 4pm - 5:15pm
• Designing for Everyone: Global Accessibility & Inclusive Design in Practice on 28th May, 4pm - 5pm
• SHAPE Exchange: Designing homes and communities that reduce isolation and build connection on 9th June, 4pm - 5pm
• Showcasing community-led housing projects – designing with community in mind on 30th June, 4pm - 5pm
• Technology-enabled, co-designed housing for better later living on 7th July, 4pm - 5pm

While free to attend for Housing LIN members, spaces are limited. Reserve your place today and join us for inspiring conversations, fresh insights and engaging ideas.

Events supported by the Housing LIN

• UK Cohousing Network: Inside a Cohousing Community: How It Works in Practice – Leeds Tickets, 25 April, from 1pm - 5pm
• Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group: Celebrating ten years of MUARG: Urban ageing research and action, 28th April, from 9:30am - 3:30pm
• UK Cohousing Network: Living in Cohousing: Is It for Me? – Evening Online Cohort Course, 27 May, from 7pm - 8:30pm

Want to know what we're working on at Housing LIN?

From sector-leading research with universities to creating tools that shape organisational 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! Please email us at consultancy@housinglin.org.uk or explore our award-winning Research and Advisory Services to learn more.