Funded over three years, the Ageing In Place project worked to reduce inequalities and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Yesterday’s event was a celebration of its achievements and a chance to reflect on the learning gathered throughout.

In Brinnington, the project was delivered by Stockport Homes in partnership with Stockport Council, led by Eva Holmes, Sam Conroy, and Nerys Carpenter. The team took a hands-on, community-first approach. Initial engagement was challenging but the team persevered, forming a steering group and gradually building trust. A year into the project, Clare Hughes joined and completed the team.

We were joined at the event by Brinnington volunteers and residents who have been instrumental to the project, alongside stakeholders and collaborators. Guest speakers included Dr Stefan White from the Manchester School of Architecture, who led the research element. Each area contributed surveys, data and interviews to ensure the final report is evidence-based, capturing what worked well and what didn’t. The full report is currently being compiled and will be shared once complete.

A standout moment was the appearance of Mayor Andy Burnham, who spoke about how the project will inform the Greater Manchester Age-Friendly Strategy and align with the Live Well in Later Life initiative. Andy joined a panel discussion with our own Sam Conroy, who shared successes from Brinnington such as our intergenerational work and the connections built with local care homes. Sam also spoke candidly about the challenges of engaging a community that was initially wary of housing providers, often viewing staff as “just lanyards.”

Andy was particularly interested in how housing providers view ageing in place and the role they can play. Sam responded in detail, highlighting the importance of trust-building and community-led approaches. Before leaving, Andy shared that Greater Manchester is currently the only region in the UK using this innovative model - a pioneering approach that could potentially shape national policy.