NEW MP Dan Aldridge (Labour, Weston) got a first-hand look at the benefits of sheltered housing – and the challenges facing the industry – during a recent visit.

Mr Aldridge met staff and residents at Abbeyfield House, in Weston-Super-Mare, to mark Starts at Home Day, which celebrates the value of care and support services.

It offered an opportunity for Abbeyfield, a sheltered housing provider, to raise awareness of what they do and build political support.

The Weston facility is managed by Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), a national charity and part of the Abbeyfield movement that provides housing, care, and support for thousands of older people worldwide.

Following a tour of the facilities on August 30, Mr Aldridge met with residents to find out how living there has enriched their lives, and discussed with staff how the house supports the residents day-to-day.

Sheltered housing manager, Sharon Thomas, also explained how Abbeyfield House engages with its local community and the difficulties faced by the sector, including inflexible funding models and meeting the complex needs of an ageing population amid rising operating costs, inflation and challenges with staff recruitment and retention.

“It was a privilege to visit Abbeyfield House to find out more about the work they do and the valuable services that Abbeyfield provides for older people,” the MP said.

“I was able to hear first-hand from the residents about their experiences of the immeasurable benefits of sheltered housing as a safe and secure home, giving them the opportunity to engage socially with their fellow residents and others in the local community, and the value of retaining independence and choice in later life.

“The challenges that housing providers face were also made clear, and I look forward to seeing how I can support providers like Abbeyfield House in the future, so that they can continue to provide an excellent service to their residents in our community.”