What does this mean? We want residents to be able to live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes for as long as it is right for them. Moving should not be the only option when life circumstances change. Through tailored support services, home adaptations, and proactive housing advice, we aim to ensure that people can remain in familiar surroundings and maintain their independence, even as their needs evolve.

Challenges to achieving this goal:

• Persistent affordability pressures, with many households facing a shortfall between LHA rates and actual rent.
• A shortage of affordable housing that is adapted or easily adaptable for people with mobility or accessibility needs.
• Gaps in local support services for residents with complex health, care, or social needs.
• The difficulties some individuals face in managing their homes due to mental health challenges, neurocognitive disorders such as dementia, substance misuse, or previous traumatic experiences, making sustained independent living more challenging.

What we have done and will continue to do:

• Partnered with neighbouring councils, Southdown Housing, and Turning Tides to deliver the Pathways Home floating support service, providing personalised housing support to help residents sustain independent living and avoid homelessness.
• Continued to offer financial assistance, including Disabled Facilities Grants, enabling vulnerable residents to make essential home adaptations so they can remain in their homes safely.
• Worked with West Sussex County Council’s Occupational Therapy service to assess and deliver home improvements tailored to residents’ needs.Between 2026 and 2030, we will focus on expanding early intervention services, increasing the supply of accessible and adaptable homes, and strengthening partnerships with health, care, and voluntary sector organisations. Our aim is for every resident, regardless of age or circumstance, to have the opportunity to live independently in a safe, suitable, and sustainable home. We are also going to explore Homeshare a mutual beneficial scheme where older homeowners offer accommodation to younger people in exchange for a few hours of help.