I first met Clare in 2010 through some work I did for Missions Models Money. I’m delighted to share her new venture with you….I hope you’ll be inspired to make connections and help in any way you can!

The Home Straight is a new social enterprise offering moving, downsizing and ageing in place solutions for older people. The first of its kind in Scotland.

Founded by Occupational Therapist Olivia Robertson and her sister Clare Cooper who Co-Founded and Co-Directs Mission Models Money they started trading in April 2013 and have already been successful in attracting public and private sector work and, most recently, were awarded a Scottish Government Innovation voucher to work with Dundee University, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and Ninewells Hospital to prototype simple items of adaptive equipment for older people using 3D printing.

As a result of this opportunity they are keen to meet Scottish furniture designers who might be interested in working with them to design a whole new product line for their business for a market that is rapidly growing and increasingly design conscious.

Anyone who has older members in their family will know that currently, commercially available adaptive equipment for the home are generally highly medicalised with little element of aesthetic design. As demographics change, the sisters have found that their clients – older people who wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible – increasingly want design and aesthetic choice in adaptive items. This demand is likely to increase significantly as more people enter the over 65 demographic. New methods of manufacturing such as 3D printing could offer the opportunity to produce high quality design-led products that are easily adapted to individual needs.

With 25% of Scotland’s population expected to be over 65 by 202o, the role out of self directed support and the expected ongoing reduction of current levels of state support for older people in the future, Clare and Olivia are convinced that the market for beautiful products that can help older people stay safe and independent in their own homes for longer can only increase and they want their business and Scottish designers and makers to be at the forefront of responding to that growth in demand.

If you would like to talk to Clare and Olivia about their ideas please call Clare on 07914 375226 , email her on info@thehomestraight.org.uk or tweet them.