Stockport has become the first place in Greater Manchester to bring together a fully interactive independent living home and a health and social care training academy under one roof.
Based at Fred Perry House and opening to the public from 15 June, the Live Well Independently in Stockport Suite helps residents stay independent for longer while supporting the workforce of the future.
The integrated model is one of the first of its kind in the region, combining a realistic home environment with hands-on training and assessment space. Residents can explore practical solutions in a real-life setting, while professionals build skills and deliver joined-up care, all in one place.
Stockport’s population, like much of Greater Manchester and beyond, is ageing and demand for support is growing. Around 9,000 people locally are living with moderate or severe frailty, with more than 1,400 falls related hospital admissions and more than 400 hip fractures each year. By helping people take action earlier, the suite supports residents to reduce the risk of falls, avoid hospital stays, manage mobility challenges and stay safe and well at home for longer.
Designed to feel like a real home, the suite includes a fully furnished bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living area and an assessment staircase with a stair lift. Visitors can try equipment for themselves, speak to specialists and leave with practical ideas they can use straight away.
A dedicated Technology Enabled Care zone brings this to life, showcasing tools such as sensors, alerts and remote monitoring. These solutions help people stay safe and independent while giving reassurance to families and carers.
The approach is shaped by residents themselves. Stockport’s Technology Enabled Care Leads, who are experts by experience, share their lived experience of disability and using technology in everyday life. Through co-production and the Making it Real Board, services are designed around what matters most to residents, bringing together lived experience, learning and frontline practice.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said:
“Like everywhere else, our population is getting older, and we are tackling that head on?and positively. We want people to stay in the homes they love, with the right support in place early. This is about shifting from crisis care to prevention, giving residents the tools, confidence and practical support to stay independent.
“By bringing together a real home, training and technology, we are showing how simple changes can make a big difference to people’s lives while easing pressure on health and care services.”
Cllr Helen Foster Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, added:?
“This gives fellow residents and much valued carers the chance to see firsthand and try what support could work for them in a?real life?setting. From everyday adaptations like stair lifts to innovative technology, it helps people?plan ahead?and stay independent for longer. It also brings together residents,?partners?and our workforce in one place, strengthening how we deliver joined up, person centred care across Stockport.
“Real people must be at the heart of everything we do, and our team are passionate about helping all those courageous fellow residents who face the extraordinary challenges ordinary daily living brings. Many in our own families face these challenges too and we are determined in Stockport to develop and assist with firsts like this whenever we can. Do come and visit, our dedicated team and volunteers who’ve helped, truly care!”
By helping people take action earlier, the Live Well Independently Suite supports residents to avoid crisis, reduce falls and hospital admissions, and maintain independence and quality of life. It gives people the opportunity to try out adaptations and technology for themselves, understand what support is available and take simple, practical steps early, including options they can put in place independently, before more formal care is needed. The space is part of Stockport’s wider Live Well ambitions and Greater Manchester’s Connected at Home approach, with a strong focus on prevention and early support.
Beyond the suite, the work links to wider activity with partners, including Stockport Homes and GMCA to trial technology that helps people live safely at home. Across the borough, personal alarms, pendants and call systems are being tested to make it easier for residents to get help quickly when they need it.
From 15 June, residents can walk into a realistic home, try equipment for themselves, speak to experts and take away practical ideas they can use immediately. For those unable to visit the space in person, residents can also explore support available virtually through Stockport’s Virtual House.
Visits to the suite can be booked in advance, with demonstrations, guided tours and information sessions via the Stockport Council website.
Pictured: Cllr Mark Roberts Leader of the Council; Richard Currie – Co-production Lead for Adult Social Care; and Robert Norton.
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