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

News highlights

1 week left to apply for the 2026/27 Future Leaders Programme

There’s just one week left before applications close for this year’s Future Leaders Programme, sponsored by Sovereign Network Group.

It’s designed for early-career professionals (up to three years’ experience in housing and related sectors) to support their leadership development.

Apply by Monday, 25 May 2026.

• Find out more and apply today

Three years on from announcing the Older People's Housing Taskforce

It was with great excitement that, three years ago, the then government announced the establishment of an independent Older People's Housing Taskforce to explore ways of boosting the supply of housing for older people, particularly purpose-built specialist accommodation such as retirement housing and extra care, also known as integrated retirement communities. 

Chaired by Professor Julienne Meyer, the Housing LIN’s CEO, Jeremy Porteus, was honoured to have been appointed to this prestigious Taskforce.

• Read update

Senior Living development wins a RIBA London award

Congratulations to Mae Architects for winning a 2026 RIBA regional award for their HAPPI-inspired Noele Gordon House for 75 older residents in Newham.

Resource Roundup

Housing LIN celebrates Mental Health Awareness Week

Last week marked Mental Health Awareness Week, an important opportunity to recognise the close connection between housing and mental wellbeing.

At Housing LIN, we are proud to support conversations and action that highlight how safe, suitable and secure housing can positively influence mental health outcomes for people of all ages, including older adults.

• Find out more about mental health and housing

Webinar recording: Strengthening mental wellbeing through housing for an ageing population in Wales

Held in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, this HAPPI Hour webinar explored the vital relationship between housing and mental health, examining how well-designed homes, supported housing models, and community-based approaches can foster better mental health outcomes across Wales.

Chaired by Joanne Kirrane, Housing LIN Cymru Steering Group Chair, the session brought together practitioners, policymakers and sector leaders to share insights on prevention, early intervention and the role of secure, suitable housing in promoting resilience and wellbeing.

• Watch the recording + download slides

Expert Insights

Lessons in Leadership: What the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme taught me

In this Housing LIN guest blog, Michaela Gibbons, Area Service Manager – RCT, Codi Group, shares her reflections on completing the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme and her journey in housing, which began unexpectedly after studying health and social care and choosing a housing degree. 

• Read Michaela's blog

A built environment that works for everyone: what does age-friendly look like in practice?

In a second Housing LIN guest blog, Bianca Rossetti, Programme Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better, shares how a new series of "Age-friendly Built Environment Quick Guides" makes the case for change as well as providing detail on how to get it right. 

Developed by the Centre for Ageing Better in partnership with Arup and Housing LIN, these guides provide practical guidance to support the design and delivery of more inclusive, age-friendly places. 

• Read Bianca's blog

What else caught our interest...

• Age UK report: 3.4 million pensioners, more than one in four, are struggling financially and nearly half of them have been struggling for three years or more
• Centre for Ageing Better feature: Local authorities say government should aim higher on accessible homes minimum targets in planning reforms
• Chartered Institute of Housing guide: Partnership Approaches: Health and Hoarding
• Dorset Council: Working together to produce a Supported Housing Strategy for Dorset
• HCR Law article: Let’s change the conversation about retirement living
• MUARG article: Towards an Architecture of Allyship by Mark Hammond and Niamh Kavanagh
• Property Week: HCR Law’s Louise Drew on rewriting the retirement living story

Dates for your diary

HAPPI Hour webinars

We are pleased to share our Spring/Summer HAPPI Hour webinar series! 

• 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
• Pride in Place: Celebrating inclusive housing & LGBTQ+ community initiatives on 2nd June, 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
• Housing LIN Scotland – A manifesto for older people’s housing on 14th 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: 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.