Hosted by South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and joined by Councillor Joe Fagan, Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Kirsty Williams and Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University HSCP, Professor Soumen Sengupta, the visit was an opportunity to see first-hand how Blantyre LIFE supports being to retain their confidence and independence, and how digital innovation is being applied within local delivery of social care.

Attendees also had the chance to speak with current service user, Christina Smith, about her experiences of being resident at Blantyre LIFE. Ms Smith commented:

“It’s the best place I’ve ever been in terms of the carers and their compassion – the help that you get from everybody is second to none.”

The development of the facility involved close collaboration between the HSCP and local housing services, as well as partners such as Glasgow Science Centre and the University of Strathclyde. This partnership approach is seeing real benefits with Blantyre LIFE, in its first full year of operation, supporting 200 people through reablement while significantly reducing length of stay.

Reflecting on the visit, Cllr Paul Kelly said:

“Blantyre LIFE is a fantastic example of the work Councils and Health and Social Care Partnerships do to support local people from leaving hospital to getting home.

“It was great to meet the brilliant Blantyre LIFE team, who demonstrate great passion in their work to enable people to continue to live independently and to meet Christina, and hear first-hand her positive experience.

“Blantyre LIFE also serves as an example of the innovation we are already seeing here in Scotland, and how harnessing new technology can provide opportunities for improved care and support.”

20th February 2026