Providing accessible homes

It’s crucial that we view housing, social care and health through a unified lens to shape the homes we provide. People are living longer and with more complex health conditions, so we need to think about their housing requirements in a more holistic way. 

We’re privileged to provide affordable homes to so many people, including those that need support to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Providing safe and secure homes is paramount but it’s just as important that we empower people to retain their independence and their dignity.  

Launched almost three years ago and backed by over 100 organisations, the Harry’s Pledge campaign showcases the housing sector’s commitment to carers and the people they care for. It includes a focus on delivering more fully accessible homes by routinely considering accessibility within existing housing stock and adapting more newly built homes. 

Adopting an insight-led approach is critical to helping us understand what people need now and in the future. That means better understanding the demographic of our communities and consulting with customers and local authorities to understand the challenges they face.  

That will help us provide more affordable, accessible homes that people want to live in, and spaces that are flexible to their needs. Harry’s Pledge is determined to mobilise the sector to deliver more accessible homes, helping us provide an integrated solution to tackling the housing and social care crises.  

To find out more about Harry’s Pledge and how you can get involved, click here. 

Julie Doyle, chief executive, Longhurst Group will be speaking at 11.30 – 12.10 on Tuesday 27 June in the Future of Living theatre at Housing 2023 on designing and delivering homes for those with specialist housing needs.