Healthy homes, healthy futures: Scottish Housing Day 2026 to highlight links between housing and health

The importance of housing in supporting good health is the focus for this year’s Scottish Housing Day, which takes place across the country on Wednesday 16 September.

Scottish Housing Day is an annual event which aims to raise awareness of the challenges and successes in Scotland’s housing sector, as well as encouraging the sector and members of the public to get involved by organising events, Q&A sessions, and sharing stories and blogs via social media.

For over 10 years, the Scotland-wide event has inspired a range of initiatives, from surveys and reports to parliamentary reception events and a tour of the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling. Each year, housing professionals, organisations, local authorities and volunteer groups come together to champion the role of housing in building healthy and fulfilling lives. 

Commenting on the day, CIH Scotland’s policy and practice manager and chair of the Scottish Housing Day working group Ashley Campbell said: “Housing and support services provide the foundations for people to thrive. A well-functioning housing system is essential to our physical health and mental wellbeing, creating vibrant communities and the social structures needed to keep people active, safe and living independently.

“The quality of building fabric can make our homes more energy efficient and easier to heat, reducing fuel poverty and health issues associated with cold, damp homes. Homes that are built to high standards of accessibility can be adapted to meet people’s changing needs, help people to live independently and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions or costly residential care.

“But the health benefits of housing go beyond just the bricks and mortar. Housing security is essential for our mental health, allowing people to put down roots in their community, and affordable homes allow people to keep more of their income for other essentials like healthy food, hobbies and socialising. Housing and third sector organisations also offer a range of additional services to support wellbeing like debt advice, tenancy sustainment and community activities.

“And of course housing organisations have a key role to play in supporting the resilience and wellbeing of our housing workforce. This Scottish Housing Day we’re delighted to be highlighting how housing supports good health, sharing ideas and encouraging people to actively get involved in promoting healthy homes.” 

There are a range of ways, both big and small, to get involved with this year’s event. Visit the Scottish Housing Day website to sign up as an official supporter for 2026, download your own supporter’s pack and provide examples of how your work supports good health outcomes.

For up-to-date developments, follow @scothousingday.bsky.social on Bluesky, and use the hashtag #ScottishHouisngDay.