We’re working with Housing LIN on the SHAPE Exchange (Suitable Housing for an Ageing Population Evidence Exchange), a five-year programme focused on turning evidence into action and creating more age-friendly homes and communities.
Sarah Allport, our Head of Communities and Governance, chaired Housing LIN’s #HAPPIHour webinar on 9 June. The topic for discussion – as part of Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 – was designing homes and communities that reduce isolation and build connection.
Building age-friendly housing
The guest speakers were Kay Allen OBE, Founder and Campaign Director of Age Irrelevance; Dr Mark Hammond, Senior Lecturer and Interim Department Research Lead at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA); Nicola Waterworth, Strategic Lead, Ageing in Place, Greater Manchester Combined Authority; and Stephen Blair, Development Manager for Bield.
They discussed how inclusive, care-ready housing and age-friendly communities can help people stay connected, supported and independent as they age.
