Abbeyfield houses visited by MPs for Starts at Home Day
Residents and Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS) sheltered housing schemes around the county were visited by their local MPs to mark Starts at Home Day, an annual event that highlights and celebrates the value of sheltered (or supported) housing, while raising awareness and building political support for the future of the sector in the UK.
17 sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes were visited by their local MPs during August, September and October: Abbeyfield House in Lincoln, Harrowside House in Blackpool, Girton Green in Cambridge, Abbeyfield House in Barnoldswick, Carnarvon House in Nottingham, Bolton House and Proctor House in Bolton-le-Sands, Tamar House in Gosport, Boldre House and Macgregor House in Salisbury, Woodlands in Swanage, Hampton House in Solihull, Abbeyfield House in Beaminster, Abbeyfield House in Ulverston, Woodlands in Skipton, Riverhill in Corbridge, and Abbeyfield House in Cockermouth.
The visits provided residents with an opportunity to meet their local MP and share how their quality of life has improved since moving into an Abbeyfield sheltered housing property. MPs were given a tour of the facilities and spoke with both residents and staff. Staff members also discussed the benefits of working for Abbeyfield and the wider challenges currently facing the sheltered housing sector.
Tamar House was visited by Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage. She said, “It was a pleasure to visit Tamar House, a service that plays a vital role in supporting older people in our community. Speaking with residents, it was clear they feel safe, supported and empowered to maintain their independence in a warm and welcoming environment.
“The strong sense of community, fostered through social opportunities and connections with the local area, highlights just how important sheltered housing is in today’s society.
“In my conversations with staff, the challenges facing sheltered housing providers were made clear. I look forward to exploring how I can support organisations like Abbeyfield to ensure they can continue delivering high-quality services in Gosport and across the country.”
Dame Caroline’s comments were echoed by many of the other visiting MPs, and several especially enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the residents and hear the real-life stories of older people who they represent in the House of Commons.
Abbeyfield’s participation in Starts at Home Day reflects our continued commitment to engage in politically aligned activity and public affairs. We are an active contributor to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People and proudly sponsored its 2024 inquiry into the regeneration of outdated sheltered housing – focusing on how schemes can be modernised to meet 21st century expectations. Working alongside organisations such as the National Housing Federation and National Care Forum, Abbeyfield seeks to influence government policy and advocate on behalf of our residents.
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