Blackwood Homes and Care

At Blackwood, we’re proud to be part of initiatives that shape the future of care. Over the past year, we’ve partnered with University College London (UCL) and the University of Aberdeen on the CPD Ecosystems: Wearable Robotics for Frailty Project, exploring robotics in care and the professional development needed for the workforce. Earlier this year, customers and staff joined workshops at the The National Robotarium, Edinburgh, sharing feedback on telepresence robots and Aberdeen’s prototype wearable. Their insights have been key to the project’s progress. Last week, staff members William W. and Fiona Ralph traveled to UWE Bristol for the final workshop, engaging with physiotherapy students who shared fresh perspectives on training for robotics in care. As the project concludes, we look forward to a final report that will guide future developments in robotics and workforce training, helping us continue enabling people to live life to the full through innovative technology. 

We’re thrilled to see the completion of the Charleston development in Dundee, featuring our innovative Blackwood House design. A huge thank you to our partners for helping us create homes that truly support independent living.

Yesterday, our Head of Housing, Anne Jenkins, attended The Chartered Institute of Housing’s Big Conversation 2024— a dynamic event bringing together forward-thinking professionals to explore the future of the housing sector. From exploring how we can lead change to shaping what housing will look like in 2031, the conversations were thought-provoking and inspiring. At Blackwood, we believe staying connected and informed is key to being the best housing association we can be. By engaging in these important discussions and learning from others in the sector, we continue to evolve, ensuring we deliver innovative, high-quality housing and care services. We’re committed to listening, learning, and leading where it matters most — for our customers, communities, and the future of housing.

We are thrilled to welcome Jamie Gray as our new Head of Digital Services. Jamie brings over 15 years of experience in technology innovation, including leading digital transformation at the V&A Dundee. His expertise will be instrumental in driving our digital initiatives, enhancing customer experience, and supporting independent living through innovative technologies. At Blackwood, we’re committed to providing housing and care with cutting-edge solutions, and Jamie’s appointment is a key step forward in that mission. Welcome aboard, Jamie – we’re excited to see the impact you’ll make! 👉 Read more about Jamie's appointment: https://lnkd.in/eVH-idqf  

At Blackwood Homes and Care, we’re proud to be part of the "Embedding Resilience" project, a groundbreaking initiative co-designed with interdisciplinary partners and led by the University of the West of England, Bristol. This project explores how robotic telepresence can empower older adults and people with frailty to improve their physical activity, wellbeing, and digital inclusion. At Raeden Court in Aberdeen, we’re collaborating to trial remote physiotherapy sessions using telepresence robots, bringing innovative exercise programmes directly to care home residents. By combining cutting-edge technology with a community-focused approach, we aim to co-create guidelines that foster resilience, inclusion, and human connection in care homes. This project is about more than technology—it’s about redefining the way we approach community care and building frameworks that support staff, residents, and their families to shape a better future. We’re excited to be working alongside leading organisations like the University of Cardiff, Wales, University of Nottingham, UCL, and Robotics for Good CIC to revolutionise care. Stay tuned for insights and results from this forward-thinking initiative! 

This Scottish Careers Week, we celebrate our committed team across Scotland working in housing, care, corporate, assets, customer services, and more. Every individual at Blackwood is essential to our mission of Getting it Right—for our customers, our communities, and each other. Thank you to our amazing staff for your hard work and dedication to helping people live life to the full. #ScotCareersWeek24

“If we can get 90% of it right, I’d be delighted if somebody else came up with the other 10% and built on that. That’s the history of social housing, right? Standing on the shoulders of giants and keeping getting better and better and better. We’re just part of that chain.” For the latest episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black wrap up their series on accessible housing with an exploration into what it takes to deliver a fully accessible home. Simon Fitzpatrick, the chief executive of Blackwood Homes and Care, shares the story behind a £17.5 million development that will bring 66 highly adapted, technologically advanced homes to the Charleston area of Dundee.

Following a conversation with Blackwood Homes & Care CEO Simon Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Black at Scottish Housing News reflects on the importance of building homes that "make it possible for people to live in them." Read his blog to discover why the new Blackwood Homes & Care development at Charleston, Dundee, is not only beautiful but also ticks all the right boxes for accessibility and comfort. https://lnkd.in/e_Zj96Gz

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Scottish Housing News Podcast 🎙️ We’re thrilled to feature our CEO, Simon Fitzpatrick, in the latest episode. Join Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black as they discuss accessible housing and our new development in Charleston, Dundee, providing 66 technologically advanced homes, in partnership with Bield Housing & Care and Hillcrest . Discover our CleverCogs technology and the unique Blackwood House designs that enhance accessibility. Recorded shortly after the Housing & Social Care Accessibility Summit, this episode explores the collaboration needed for successful developments and the impact on our housing legacy. 🔗 Tune in now to see how we’re shaping a more inclusive future: https://lnkd.in/exbqPF-E

Three housing associations have celebrated the delivery of new homes in Dundee to support independent living and help address Scotland’s housing crisis. Blackwood Homes and Care Bield Housing & Care Campion Homes https://lnkd.in/eeCW9d5g