A housing project using innovative technologies and digital tools to help people live independently for as long as possible is being praised by Scotland’s Health Secretary.

The Peoplehood Project, launched in 2022, has seen more than 500 people across Buckie, Dundee and Glasgow benefit from new models of independent living which combine cutting-edge assistive technologies and digital skills training.

Led by Blackwood Homes and Care in collaboration with the Data Lab, the £12.5m project is aimed at improving quality of life while reducing dependence on social care services.

During a visit to the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service, Health Secretary Neil Gray was able to see the way tech, like home automation and personalised digital systems are being integrated into Blackwood homes, and how this is benefiting residents.

Mr Gray said: “The integration of technology into every-day lives is a key requirement in supporting individuals to live well at home for longer, and to support our health and social care services. We recognise that innovation must be at the heart of how we deliver these services across Scotland.

“It is therefore important to recognise and to take the opportunity to learn from projects, such as Peoplehood, which are paving the way for a more sustainable and person-centred approach to social care.”

Partners say insights from the three-year project are expected to influence Scotland’s social care sector on a national scale.

Steph Sutherland, development and commercial director at Blackwood Homes and Care, said:

“At Blackwood, our vision is to help people live their lives to the full.

“The Peoplehood Project has demonstrated the transformative potential of assistive technology in creating homes and communities that support independence. 

“The learnings from the project will help shape our approach to independent living, ensuring that we can support as many people as possible to thrive in their homes and communities while leading healthier, more connected lives.”

Heather Thomson, interim CEO of the Data Lab, added:

“This collaboration demonstrates Scotland’s immense potential for innovation in health and social care. Through the power of data and AI, we are delivering ethical, impactful solutions that benefit communities across the country.”

Read more: Tech enabled housing helps independent living; ‘The time for a care revolution is now’

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