Starts at Home Day 2024 is a campaign by the National Housing Federation to celebrate the value of care and support services and the difference that having a safe and secure place to call home can make to people’s lives. 

As the leading not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means, Housing 21 supports this campaign and used this opportunity to speak to residents about their experiences of living in supported housing.

Pictured: Carol 

Carol, 59 has lived with Housing 21 for two years. Carol’s experience of supported housing has been positive and she is pleased to have made the decision to move to her Retirement Living scheme: “I can’t fault the support provided and it is reassuring to know that somebody is here to reach out to if you are not having a great day.”

Pictured: Sash 

Speaking about his experience of living in supported housing, Sash said: “I adore living with Housing 21, there’s never a dull moment.”

Sash featured in a blog as part of the Starts at Home campaign, read the full blog here: Sash's story • Starts at Home

Pictured: Georgina 

Georgina, 78 Retired from nursing in 2023 and moved into her Retirement Living scheme less than a year ago.

After spending 16 years living in a rented property, Georgina said that moving into her scheme was an easy decision to make: “I’d say I was future-proofing by making the decision to live with Housing 21.

“I like finding things to do, I go out every day and I’m encouraged to take part in things. This is a great place to live, I am really happy here.”

Pictured: Howard 

Howard has also remained in supported housing through several acquisitions and enjoys living at his scheme.

“We are all really happy at our Retirement Living scheme," he said.

Read more inspiring stories from residents who rely on supported housing to live independently on the website: startsathome.org.uk