The Live Well Independently in Stockport Suite, based at Fred Perry House and open to the public from 15 June, is set up like a real home. It’s the first place in Greater Manchester to bring a fully interactive home together with a health and social care training academy in one space, all designed to support residents and the people who care for us.
You can walk through a fully furnished bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living area, try out equipment and see what might make everyday life easier. There’s also an assessment staircase with a stair lift, so you can experience support first hand and think about what could work for you or someone you care about.
We know many of us want to stay in the homes we love, and small changes can make a big difference. That might be adapting your home, using helpful equipment or trying simple technology that gives extra reassurance.
There’s a dedicated area bringing this to life, with things like sensors, alerts and remote monitoring that can help us stay safe while giving peace of mind to family and carers. You can try things out, ask questions and leave with practical ideas you can use straight away.
This space has been shaped with residents, including people with lived experience of disability and using technology in everyday life. It’s all about what matters most to you and making sure support works in real life, not just on paper.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council
Like everywhere else, our population is getting older, and we are tackling that head on and positively. We want people to stay in the homes they love, with the right support in place early. This is about shifting from crisis care to prevention, giving residents the tools, confidence and practical support to stay independent.
By bringing together a real home, training and technology, we are showing how simple changes can make a big difference to people’s lives while easing pressure on health and care services.
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
This gives fellow residents and much valued carers the chance to see firsthand and try what support could work for them in a real life setting. From everyday adaptations like stair lifts to innovative technology, it helps people plan ahead and stay independent for longer. It also brings together residents, partners and our workforce in one place, strengthening how we deliver joined up, person centred care across Stockport.
Real people must be at the heart of everything we do, and our team are passionate about helping all those courageous fellow residents who face the extraordinary challenges ordinary daily living brings. Many in our own families face these challenges too and we are determined in Stockport to develop and assist with firsts like this whenever we can. Do come and visit; our dedicated team and volunteers who've helped truly care!
The suite is part of our wider Live Well approach, helping us plan ahead, reduce the risk of falls, avoid hospital stays and stay confident at home for longer. It also supports training for staff and partners, so we can keep improving how we work together to support residents.
You can drop in, book a visit or join a guided tour or demonstration. Whether you’re thinking ahead or need support now, we’re here to help you find what works for you. If you are unable to visit the space in person, you can also explore support available virtually through Stockport’s Virtual House.
Watch the video to learn more. For more information and to plan your visit, check out our suite webpage.
