Referencing feedback from both housing professionals and tenants, Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures explores the many ways in which housing impacts every aspect of our health.

The report makes a number of recommendations for the Scottish government, including:

• Prioritising the review of Housing for Varying Needs, the guidance for affordable housing providers which ensures that new homes being built are suitable and accessible
• Developing an Independent Living Strategy setting out how people are supported to live well in mainstream or specialist housing
• Improving digital connectivity and digital infrastructure across Scotland’s homes
• In the public service reform agenda, recognising housing as a key partner in prevention and providing value for money.

Informed by Scottish Housing Day survey results from housing practitioners, residents and tenants, the report also features case studies and evidence from across the sector, all pointing to the indisputable links between good quality homes, housing services and improved mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Commenting on the report, Ashley Campbell, CIH Scotland policy and practice manager and chair of the Scottish Housing Day working group, said: “As we mark Scottish Housing Day this year, we hope this report will encourage a wider conversation about the role housing has to play in supporting healthier lives, and we’re looking forward to continuing that conversation with the sector and elected members at a special parliamentary event today.

“Organisations across Scotland are also holding events, open days and discussions with communities across Scotland today, highlighting the value of housing. But we don’t want this to be the end of the discussion, this is just the beginning.

“We know that the Scottish government has some difficult decisions to make on spending over the coming years, and that health and social care systems are already stretched. The research and examples showcased in the Scottish Housing Day report clearly show that housing is part of the solution. Investing in homes and housing services prevent homelessness, reduces inequalities, supports better health and wellbeing and crucially, saves money.”

Scottish Housing Day is an annual event which aims to raise awareness of the challenges and successes in Scotland’s housing sector, as well as encouraging the sector and members of the public to get involved by organising events, Q&A sessions, and sharing stories and blogs via social media.