Future-proof Housing Starts Here
- PROCare News
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
There are some questions you can Google. And then there are the ones you need to ask face to face, with the experts. That’s exactly what our Future-Proofing & CPD Day in Durham was all about.
Future-proof Housing in the Northeast
We welcomed professionals from across the Northeast, including local councils, housing associations, contractors, and occupational therapists, to explore how we can create better, more adaptable homes that meet the evolving needs of our communities. Whether you're shaping housing policy, managing social care adaptations, or specifying products, this event gave you the opportunity to dig deeper, ask questions, and see inclusive design at its best.
It was a real joy to host this event at Durham’s Ramside Hall Hotel, a fantastic venue that helped set the tone for a productive and engaging day. Rachel Ellis, our Area Sales Manager for this region loved welcoming everyone and sharing our space with such a passionate, forward-thinking room of housing and care professionals. We’re already looking forward to working more closely with partners across the Northeast and beyond.
Learning
It was a space for conversation as much as innovation. Attendees had the chance to connect directly with leading mobility equipment manufacturers and disability equipment brands, getting hands-on with the latest in accessible home design.
There was plenty insight and "I didn't know that existed" moments. As a company built on innovation, compassion and care, we believe if you don’t see it, and you don’t have a chance to ask about it, then you might never know what’s possible.
One attendee summed it up perfectly: "It's been great to see what else is out there, what products are available and a big thank you to PROCare for arranging."
Another added: "...if you don't come, you don't always know what's available and how it can work or be implemented."
Exhibitors
This event marked our first time showcasing ROPOX, whose rise and fall adapted kitchen solutions made a real impression. Mira wowed the room with their Assistive showers, such as the Mira Advance Flex. While Gerflor displayed their high-performance wall panelling and flooring, ideal for social housing settings. We were also joined by Gerberit and Closomat, who demoed their wash-dry toilets.
Pressalit impressed with a presentation featuring their stand-out sliding basin and other accessible home products. Whale Pumps also took part, showcasing their smart and reliable solutions for adapted shower installations. Stannah delivered a brilliant session on stairlifts, and of course we had our very own PROCare ranges on show, including the Hex Dec Duo wet room former, PROLine basin and our Invisible Creations grab rails.
Perspectives
A huge thank you to Paul Smith from Foundations, the National Body for Home Improvement, who brought sharp insights into speeding up and improving Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) processes. Whether you're in housing, social care, or occupational therapy, Paul's session offered practical takeaways for delivering better end-to-end services.
Our Fit For Our Future campaign theme was clear across discussions, with many talking on the need for adaptable designs that serve a range of needs, not just now, but in 5, 10 or 20 years. That means retrofitting for accessibility, enhancing universal standard property types, and making accessibility a natural part of the housing lifecycle. These are the types of solutions we’re passionate about and committed to delivering.
Training
PROCare's product awareness, CPD training and toolbox talks are designed to do more than tick a box. They're about equipping professionals with real-world knowledge to deliver proactive home adaptations, accessible home improvements, and smarter, future-proof solutions. It was brilliant to see so many engaged questions about everything from wall panel fitting to wet room design, and we’re always ready to dive deeper.
We also offer toolbox talks and product training sessions at our showroom in Wigan, where professionals can explore our full range, ask technical questions, and experience inclusive design up close. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested in a visit or guided session.
Next Steps
If you missed the Durham event, don’t worry... we’re out engaging with customers year-round. Whether you're focused on future-proofing housing stock, or exploring retrofit solutions for an ageing population, PROCare is here to support you - Contact us today to book a workshop, organise a visit from your local rep, access our product range or get involved in the Fit For Our Future campaign.
01942 206004