ERoSH Northern Ireland helps shape future of older people’s housing
ERoSH's input into a review of housing in Northern Ireland has been acknowledged in a report that was launched recently.
The Commission on the Future of Housing in Northern Ireland, chaired by Lord Richard Best, launched its final report in May, which calls for a new housing strategy that sets the policy direction for the next ten years.
The Commission on the Future for Housing in Northern Ireland was launched in April 2009 in Belfast to set out a long-term vision for the future role of the housing system in contributing positively to Northern Ireland's future.
ERoSH's Northern Ireland regional network chair Eileen Patterson contacted the Commission through the CIH and invited a member of the commission to come and meet with local ERoSH members and other housing providers.
Alyson Kilpatrick, who is a member of the commission, attended the meeting and ERoSH members and other housing representatives put forward key issues around the future of sheltered housing and the role it needs to play to meet the needs of an ageing population.
Eileen Patterson, director of housing at Fold Housing Association, explained: "It was an open session where Alyson asked general consultation questions but she also listened to our views about the role that sheltered housing might play in addressing the issues for older people's housing in Northern Ireland in the future.
"A specific recommendation that did come out in the report was that the housing strategy should include a range of housing options for older people. The report is also trying to get across that housing, health and social care workers have got to work together and even pull budgets to develop a coordinated approach."
You can read The Independent Commission on the Future for Housing in Northern Ireland's report.
