The hub is designed to give people in Fife a single place to go for advice and support on how to live independently, with a range of services all working together to make this happen.

The hub was developed following recommendations from the Scottish Government’s Adapting for Change initiative, which focused on bringing services together to make it easier for people to access the support they need. It’s part of a new affordable housing development, with funding provided through Housing Services’ Affordable Housing Programme.

At the opening, Cllr Judy Hamilton, Spokesperson for Housing and Building Services spoke about the importance of the hub.

She said: “The Independent Living Advice Hub is a fantastic example of how we can bring together housing, health, and social care services to provide the right support for people in one place. This hub will make a real difference to people’s lives by helping them live independently for longer, and I’m proud to see this project come to life.”

The hub offers a range of services to help people live independently, including a bathroom and stairlift room pod. The pods provide a safe and accessible space where Occupational Therapists can carry out assessments for equipment and adaptations in a home-like setting.

There’s also a tech library, where individuals can test different technologies that support independent living, funded by The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. A TEC zone, fitted with sensors and technology will also be developed, which will be available for demonstrations to the public and for training staff.  Organisations can also book desk and meeting room spaces within the hub to collaborate further.

Fiona McKay, interim director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “It is a priority for the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership to support people to stay well, healthy and independent at home or homely setting, and to do this we need all services working together to provide the best support we can. I’m delighted to see the Hub opening and bringing together services and organisations to work together to support people in the community.”

The Independent Living Advice Hub is a joint effort between Fife Council’s Housing Services, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, and many other organisations. By working together, they aim to make it easier for people to access the services and support they need to live independently.