Kevin Stewart MSP, minister for local government, housing and planning, will open the Homes for life: Moving accessible housing up the agenda event on 4 March 2021.

Mr Stewart said: “The Scottish Government champions independent living for older and disabled people within their community. We know that having the right home with the right support can be the key to enabling people to live safely and independently at home.

“While developing our Housing to 2040 strategy we have listened to people across Scotland who face particular housing challenges, including those with access needs. I welcome the opportunity to continue our work ensuring we have sufficient good quality accessible housing for everyone.”

The event has been spearheaded by accessible housing specialists, Horizon Housing Association, part of the Link group of companies.

Horizon’s CEO, Lorna Cameron, said: “Housing provides some of our most fundamental needs and yet we have a chronic shortage of accessible and adapted housing in Scotland.

“Without an accessible house that meets their needs, many older people and disabled people continue to live in unsuitable accommodation.

“And, as we know during these times of restrictions, the home has become a locus for many people’s work lives, caring responsibilities, family lives and social lives.

“We can no longer afford to ignore accessible housing need in Scotland. It needs to be on everyone’s agenda.”   

At Homes for life, attendees will hear a range of perspectives and from representatives from housing, disabled people’s organisations, disability organisations, health and social care, developer and architecture.

The event aims to harness a collective discussion on how more accessible homes can be achieved across Scotland, and organisations can best support disabled people and those in older age to live well and independently and work towards building homes for life in strong communities.

To find out more and sign up for the free event please visit here.