Warmer, Greener Living: Advance Housing Retrofit Partnership Creates Healthier Homes in Leicester
Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) has completed the first scheme in a three-year retrofit partnership with Advance Housing and Support, a leading provider of supported housing for people with disabilities and mental health conditions.
The programme will see 100 supported housing homes upgraded over three years. The works aim to make homes warmer, more comfortable and more energy efficient, while ensuring customers feel supported throughout the process.
Michael Ramsay Court in Glen Parva, Leicester is the first scheme to be completed as part of this programme. Improvements delivered at the scheme to 24 homes include, new windows, loft insulation and improved ventilation
These upgrades will help homes stay warmer during colder months, reduce draughts and improve air quality, supporting residents’ comfort and wellbeing, reducing heat loss and improving overall living conditions.
Olivia McRoe, Head of Resident Engagement, Morgan Sindall Property Services said: “Completing works at Michael Ramsay Court, the first scheme delivered through this programme, is an important milestone in our partnership with Advance. The improvements will make homes warmer, more comfortable and healthier places to live. We worked closely with Advance and residents to ensure the work was carried out in a supportive and considerate way, recognising that many residents have additional needs.”
Customers were involved ahead of works through informal consultation events and one‑to‑one visits. MSPS took a tailored approach with each customer, working closely with Advance and on‑site support workers to understand individual vulnerabilities, circumstances and needs.
This included providing additional notice for appointments, adapting engagement where required, and introducing customers to the teams delivering the works in advance. By taking time to understand concerns and preferences, the approach helped to build confidence, reassurance and trust, ensuring residents felt supported throughout the programme.
Morgan Lewis, Asset Investment Manager at Advance, said: “This project marks an important first step in our three-year retrofit programme, helping to create warmer and healthier homes for customers. Improving energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing heat loss, but improving comfort, wellbeing and quality of life for customers, many of whom have additional needs.
“Morgan Sindall Property Services has delivered these improvements in a supportive and considerate way, working alongside customers. We’re pleased to see the positive impact the improvements have already made.”
The partnership is also exploring further enhancements, including a potential gardening project, which would improve shared outdoor spaces and offer customers the opportunity to take part in gardening activities if they wish.
Pictured left to right: Tiannah Cheney – Housing Officer, Debbie Howick – MSPS Project Manager, Jude Paton – MSPS Contracts Manager, Advance Residents, Louise Chester – Regional Housing Officer, Jackie Russon – Customer Engagement Manager, Morgan Lewis – Advance Asset Investment Manager
About Advance
Advance provides housing, support and other community related services, specialising in supporting people with learning difficulties and mental health conditions.
Operating across a large geographical area across the Midlands, London, South East and South West, Advance provides a number of different types of services, including small-scale residential care homes, supported living services, shared ownership homes, community support services and day services.
For more information, visit: https://www.advanceuk.org/about-us
