A special event was held to mark the anniversary of the pioneering housing and care campus that champions the ‘home for life’ approach.

Residents past and present joined staff and senior leaders to share personal stories of recovery and independence, highlighting the vital role Blantyre LIFE plays in helping individuals transition back to independent living without prolonged hospital stays.

Raymond Walters, whose 82-year-old mother Maria from East Kilbride has been receiving care at Blantyre LIFE, expressed his gratitude for the outstanding support provided.

He said: “My mum arrived on Christmas Eve and the care she has received has been absolutely phenomenal. She is getting back to her old self. She has worked part-time in TK Maxx for 20 years and is incredibly independent — she’d go back to work today if she could!

 “I’m over the moon with this place, it’s a breath of fresh air. The staff here have given my mum her independence back, helping her learn to fend for herself again. This facility is second to none, it’s a perfect bridge between leaving hospital and getting back home, rebuilding confidence every step of the way.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Hearing these incredible stories of recovery and renewed independence is truly inspiring. It’s heartening to see the real, positive impact Blantyre LIFE has had on individuals and their families across South Lanarkshire.”

The facility also enabled a significant improvement in terms of average length of stay, falling from 44 in the previous model to 27 days in 2024.

Lesley McDonald, Chair of the Integration Joint Board (IJB), said: “It’s been a real privilege to meet the residents and hear first-hand how Blantyre LIFE has supported their recovery. Their stories highlight just how vital this service is in enabling people to rebuild their confidence and return home safely.”