Wheelchair accessible homes in the UK

Shortage of accessible homes needs addressing

According to the NHS there are now 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK. Sadly, there is also a shortage of accessible homes for private rent. Without a suitable home, wheelchair users and their families face emotional, financial and physical distress. This prevents them from leading independent lives.

For this reason, Community Sponsors Homes (CSH) set up its initiative in 2017 to increase the availability of long-term accessible homes for wheelchair users and their families. Their immediate focus is to establish a property fund to provide accessible properties that are close to good transport links in urban areas of the UK. With an overall vision to solve other inequalities in the housing market by connecting capital with socially beneficial investment opportunities.

Survey to help understand the needs in the private rented sector

To help meet the growing need for wheelchair accessible homes in the UK, the CSH wants to collect information about the requirements and characteristics of wheelchair users. It has teamed up with North Star Consulting & Research to conduct a survey, with funding from Commonweal Housing.

This short survey (it should take you no more than 5 mins to complete) can be accessed here. All people completing the survey will be entered in a free draw for £200 worth of John Lewis vouchers. The results will help them provide wheelchair accessible homes for rent in the private rented sector, i.e. not from a Council or Housing association.

So, please help CSH in this important area by completing the survey today and allowing them to demonstrate that there is a demand for housing that has been adapted for wheelchair access. This covers everything from wheelchair ramps and wet rooms through to lowering the sink and cooker in the kitchen. All things that non-disabled people take for granted but which can make a real difference in the quality of life for a wheelchair bound person.

Thanks for your support.