Sunderland City Council and Healthwatch Sunderland launched a public consultation on 5 March 2026 to get feedback from people in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, about the city’s extra-care housing. Extra-care housing is a type of home that allows older or vulnerable residents to live independently while having access to professional support and care services on-site.
The council is asking for these views to help shape how these homes are designed and managed to better meet the needs of the community. By listening to what residents need, the local authority aims to improve the quality of support available for those who want to stay independent in their own homes for longer.
These housing improvements are part of a plan to help residents stay in their own community and reduce the pressure on Sunderland Royal Hospital. When better supported housing is available, it is easier for patients to be discharged from the hospital and helps prevent people from being admitted to a ward when they do not need acute care.
Residents are encouraged to share what matters most to them to ensure future housing projects provide the right level of care and safety. This feedback will be used to guide how the council and its partners develop and improve these services for everyone in the city.
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