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Septuagenarian professor joins debate on future of Extra Care housing

An internationally renowned septuagenarian professor is set to join the debate on the future of Extra Care provision in the UK.

Lecturer and researcher George Giarchi, Professor of Care Studies at Plymouth University, has devoted his academic life to social gerontology, the study of physical, mental and social changes in people as they age.

As the population ages, the challenge for the housing industry, both public and private sector, is to ensure housing meets the changing needs, expectations and aspirations of older people.

Professor Giarchi entered academia at the age of 42, after practising as a youth counsellor and social worker. Now aged 79, he has pledged to continue working until his 80th year. As one of the UK's leading authorities in social care, counselling and social work, he has given keynote talks in the USA, Australia, Western, Central and Eastern Europe. He has authored five books and numerous papers.

In April, Professor Giarchi will address an audience including local authorities, housing associations and Arms Length Management Organisations at a bespoke two day 'big debate' style event on Extra Care. Professor Giarchi will focus on positive ageing in the ethic of care.

The event is being co-hosted by Wath-based Bramall Construction, a sector leader in Extra Care construction, and Greenwoods Solicitors LLP, leading legal advisors in the fields of social housing, housing development schemes and construction law.

The agenda is scheduled to:
• challenge outdated perceptions of older people's care,
• generate debate on facilities and care provision,
• define the challenges in achieving best practise,
• consider the future funding implications of Extra Care housing,
• debate the future direction of older people's accommodation in the UK.

The event, the first in the Eastern region on this scale, is entitled 'A Journey through Extra Care - the people, the places, the future'. It is supported by the Department of Health and the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, the national network for promoting new ideas and supporting change in the delivery of housing, care and support services for older and vulnerable adults

The event's findings are set to help influence the future of Extra Care provision in the UK and will be published by the Housing Learning and Improvement Network later in the year.

Key note debates will be chaired by senior figures from the housing sector including Sarah Webb (Chief Executive Chartered Institute of Housing); Jeremy Porteus (National Programme Lead - Housing, Department of Health), and Jo Mills (Chair, Eastern Region, Housing Learning and Improvement Network and the Corporate Manager for New Communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council.)

Joining Professor Giarchi giving key note speeches will be James Berrington (Homes and Communities Agency); Lawrence Miller (Trimmer CS), and Maria Brenton (Womens Co Housing).

Glen Eaton, Business Development Manager at Bramall, said: "Our East of England audience is set to experience the first event of its scale in the region on the hugely salient issue of the future of Extra Care, given the country's increasingly ageing population."

Graham Cooper, Associate Director and Head of Housing, from Greenwoods LLP, said "The event is set to challenge both theory and practise in Extra Care through high calibre speakers and a contribution from internationally acclaimed gerontologist Professor Giarchi. We are thrilled to be leading with our friends at Bramall on such a ground-breaking event."

The event will take place on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th April at The Belfry, Cambourne, Cambridge. Places can be booked on www.cih.org/events or telephone 024 7685 1722.