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Context: As part of the Lothian partnership’s work on equality outcomes (Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian, Midlothian Councils and NHS Lothian), Midlothian Council identified the need for housing services to better meet diverse resident needs through integrated health and social care approaches.
Approach: Midlothian developed a comprehensive Local Housing Strategy (2021-2026) with equality and health integration at its core, working closely with Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
Implementation:
- Comprehensive vision: “All households in Midlothian will be able to access housing that is affordable and of good quality in sustainable communities”
- Specialist housing development: Plans for 484 units of specialist housing over five years including wheelchair housing, amenity housing, bariatric housing and extra care housing
- Integrated service delivery: Close collaboration between housing services and Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership to coordinate support
- Strategic alignment: Housing Contribution Statement linking housing strategy to health and social care outcomes
Impact:
- Better housing outcomes for people with complex needs
- Improved integration between housing, health and social care
- More inclusive communities through specialist provision
- Referenced as an example of good practice in consultation feedback
Key learning:
- Integration of housing with health and social care improves outcomes
- Specialist housing provision must be planned systematically
- Person-centred approaches require trauma-informed workforce development
- Partnership working enables more comprehensive service delivery
Source: Equality Outcomes 2021-2025 Consultation feedback, Edinburgh Council)