Fife Council is proud to mark Scottish Housing Day, supporting this year’s theme of Homes for Life. The theme encourages a discussion on the vital role that housing plays in helping people live well in later life.

Fife Council is committed to ensuring that people have access to safe, supportive housing as they age. This commitment is demonstrated through our ongoing initiatives and forward-thinking plans, including the opening of a new Independent Living Advice Hub in Kirkcaldy, as well as the increased use of technology to support independent living.

Independent Living Advice Hub Opening

On Friday 20 September from 1.00pm – 3.00pm, the Independent Living Advice Hub, located at 255-257 High Street, Kirkcaldy will officially open its doors. The Hub offers a welcoming space where local residents can access services that promote independent living, including advice on home adaptations, safety, and support for those with physical, mental, and sensory impairments and more. This initiative is a joint effort between Fife Council’s Housing Services, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, and various other organisations. Together, they are making it easier for people to access the services they need to live independently. For more information, visit www.fife.gov.uk/ILAH.

Harnessing Technology to Support Independence

The council is also making strides in using technology to help people manage their homes and stay independent. Testing Environmental sensors, for example, can support tenants monitor the environmental condition of their home and help reduce issues like dampness and condensation. Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is another key focus, with plans to expand its use to support vulnerable people at home, which could help prevent homelessness or reduce reliance on the healthcare system.

Councillor Judy Hamilton, Spokesperson for Housing and Building Services, said: "Scottish Housing Day is an opportunity to recognise the importance of housing in helping people live well, particularly as they grow older. Fife Council is proud to be at the forefront of efforts to improve housing and support services for all. Through initiatives like the Independent Living Advice Hub and the innovative use of technology, we are empowering people to live independently for longer, with the support they need close at hand."

The council’s Housing Plus project continues to develop solutions, including testing environmental sensors, piloting Amazon Alexa devices to assist with wellbeing, and expanding Extra Care and Supported Housing. Other initiatives, like the Technology Lending Library and Smart Life in Fife, aim to improve wellbeing and independence for service users, especially in Older Persons Housing.

Fife Council is committed to supporting residents in living well at home, today and in the future.