HLINks Weekly: Housing, Health and Social Care Latest News

News Highlights

The Housing LIN is recruiting a Research Officer!

The Housing LIN is seeking a Research Officer with qualitative research experience to join its consultancy and research team on a fixed-term basis. The role focuses on supported housing needs assessments, including engagement with people with lived experience. Hybrid working from home and our Bristol office, with regular travel across England, £26,000 pa, fixed term to 31 March 2027.

Click through for more information and to read the Recruitment Pack. Closing date for applications is 5pm, Wednesday 23 September 2026.

• More information and application

United St Saviour’s Charity launch search for next Chair and Trustees

United St Saviour's Charity is recruiting a new Chair and two Trustees to help lead its ambitious ten-year strategy for more homes for older people and deeper community investment in Southwark.

The charity delivered Appleby Blue, winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize. Find out more about the Chair role and Trustee role. Applications close 14 October 2026.

• More information

Housing LIN and Learning Disability England: working together to improve housing choice and control

Housing LIN has strengthened links with Learning Disability England (LDE) to ensure access to the latest information and resources on housing for people with learning disabilities and autistic people for both of our networks.

Of particular interest to our members, LDE's Learning Disability and Autism Housing Community of Practice is open for anyone to join, and their Housing Guide sets out practical information for people, families and commissioners.

Visit our Housing and Learning Disability webpages for more key resources around inclusivity.

• Visit our Learning Disability hub

Resource Roundup

State of Housing in Norwich 2026

Age UK Norwich and Norwich City Council have published the State of Housing in Norwich 2026 report, exploring how the city can better meet the needs of a growing ageing population.

Drawing on insights from residents and housing providers, the report examines the connection between housing, health and wellbeing, while identifying opportunities to create more accessible, affordable and age friendly homes across Norwich.

• Read the report

What Else Caught our Interest...

BBC News item: 'Slim chance' government will hit 1.5m new homes target, Rayner tells BBC

Healthy Homes Hub blog: Housing CEO's. ICB CEO's. You're up.

Help Age International article: Age-friendly societies are better societies for everyone

Octopus Capital article: The first £1 billion: what building Britain’s retirement communities has taught us – and why the next £1 billion could look different

Sage Journals article: Old age in urban discourse: The age-friendly city and the ambiguities of later life

Scottish Housing News article: Laura Mallis - Disabled people’s experiences of housing in Scotland

Think Local Act Personal blog: Why is replacing essential community equipment so difficult?

Dates for your diary

HAPPI Hour webinars

• A HAPPI future: Designing age-friendly homes and communities for wellbeing on 22nd September 2026, from 4pm - 5pm
• A universal offer: International Day of Older Persons on 1st October 2026, from 4pm - 5pm
• Specialist Housing and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on 8th October 2026, from 4pm - 5pm
• Dementia Across the Four Nations - Showcasing Innovation, Best Practice and Housing Readiness Across the UK on 20th October 2026, from 4pm - 5:15pm
• SHAPE Challenge Fund Launch – the shape of things to come on 27th October 2026, from 4pm - 5:15pm
• From caring places to neighbourhood health – Inspiring a new vision for adult social care on 3rd November 2026, from 4pm - 5:15pm
• Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and fire safety – taking responsibility in specialist/supported housing on 10th November 2026, from 4pm - 5pm
• Technology unplugged - Delivering digital solutions on 17th November 2026, from 4pm - 5:15pm
• Housing storeys - Planning for accessibility and adaptations on 1st December 2026, from 4pm - 5pm
• The key to unlocking healthy communities on 8th December 2026, from 4pm - 5pm
• HAPPI Awareness Week showcase event on 15th December 2026, from 4pm - 5:15pm

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.

• Explore the full schedule

Other Events Supported by the Housing LIN

Community-Led Housing Futures Summit 2026
by UK Cohousing Network
15th September 2026, from 10am - 4pm

LSE Roundtable Discussion: How can we meet the housing needs of an ageing population
by LSE Housing and Communities
23rd September 2026, from 10am - 12pm

Global Intergenerational Congress
by Generations Working Together
29th September 2026, 9am - 1st October 2026, 12:30pm

Beyond Age: Rethinking Later Life
by Housing 21
14th October 2026, from 10am - 4pm

• Visit our events page for more details

Looking for trusted housing, care and support expertise?

Our award-winning consultancy, research and advisory services help local authorities, housing providers, charities and sector partners plan, review and improve housing, care and support services.

From needs assessments and strategy development to research, evaluation and service improvement, we provide tailored support grounded in evidence, policy insight and practical experience to shape your strategic and operational plans.

To discuss how we can help, please email consultancy@housinglin.org.uk or find out more about our Research and Advisory Services.