An MP visited Abbeyfield House to celebrate Starts at Home Day.

Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, toured the facilities on Tuesday, October 3, and met residents to discuss the benefits of sheltered housing.

Managed by Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), Abbeyfield House provides support and care for older people.

The Southampton Itchen MP said: "It was a privilege to visit Abbeyfield House to find out more about the work they do and the valuable services that ALS provides for older people.

"I was able to hear first-hand from Pat, who has worked there for many years, about their experiences of the immeasurable benefits of sheltered housing as a safe and secure home, giving them the opportunity to engage socially with their fellow residents and others in the local community, and the value of retaining independence and choice in later life."

Sheltered housing manager Lucy Perry outlined the challenges faced by such providers, including inflexible funding models, rising costs, and staff recruitment difficulties.

The National Housing Federation estimates that without supported housing, the UK would face increased homelessness and greater pressure on the NHS.

More investment in upgrading sheltered housing is also being called for.