Shaping Inclusive Homes at ALS: Abdul’s story

Shaping Inclusive Homes at Abbeyfield Living Society

In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, we spoke with Abdul Ravat, our Head of Development & Growth. Abdul works to create welcoming and diverse homes for older people across England. He draws on his own Anglo-Indian heritage and three decades of professional experience to achieve this.

A Personal Connection to 'Home' and Community

Abdul's commitment to creating diverse and inclusive homes is personal, stemming from his Anglo-Indian heritage. He was inspired by his grandparents' decision to stay in their community in Gujarat after the Partition, rather than relocate. As Abdul shares, "They had lived peacefully alongside the local predominantly Hindu communities for decades." This taught him early on about the importance of people living together respectfully and feeling safe at home.

His childhood also shaped his view of what a home truly is. Despite facing challenges, these experiences gave him a strong drive. "I never tire in seeing the joy on residents and their families when they get the keys to a new home," Abdul says. For him, a home is the "heartbeat of a family, community, the essence of a good and caring society."

A Career Dedicated to Community & Housing

Abdul has dedicated three decades to a career in affordable housing and community development. Early on, he helped create a Home Improvement Agency for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and then worked to have it managed by a local energy project called Keep Warm, which already supported vulnerable residents.

In this previous role, Abdul successfully aligned his team with strategic goals by involving them in the process. He created new procedures and training programs, which led to significant growth and new contracts for the organisation.

Abdul now brings this valuable experience to Abbeyfield Living Society, using his strategic vision to ensure our growth truly meets the needs of our communities.

The Urgent Need for Diverse Housing

As Head of Development & Growth, Abdul is aware of the changing demographics that require new housing solutions for older people in the UK.

He points out some important statistics:

• The UK's population aged 65 and over is currently nearly 11 million (19%), and is projected to increase to almost 13 million (22%) in the next decade.

• The social and ethnic minority population aged 65 and over in England and Wales is forecast to grow five fold to 3.8 million by 2051.

• The number of Muslims aged 65 and over is estimated to quadruple from 110,000 in 2011 to 450,000 by 2036.

Abdul notes that many people from faith and minority groups face challenges like financial hardship, poorer health, and shorter life expectancy. This is why he is focused on "faith-sensitive housing"—to create homes that truly respect and meet the needs of a diverse older population.

Abbeyfield's Vision for Inclusive Homes

Abbeyfield Living Society is dedicated to "faith-sensitive housing" which means creating inclusive homes. To achieve this, we will focus on:

• Diverse needs: Making sure residents can comfortably follow their faith, traditions, and dietary requirements.

• Accessible options: Providing support to help older people from minority groups find a new home.

• Flexible homes: Offering adaptable living spaces that can accommodate multi-generational families and adapt to changing needs.

• Fair access: Expanding affordable housing for everyone, especially for communities that have been underserved.

• Connected communities: Building neighborhoods that fight loneliness and strengthen social bonds.

A Growth Strategy Focused on Diversity

Abbeyfield Living Society's new Growth & Development Strategy aims to add 300 new properties between 2025 and 2030. This expansion is driven by a commitment to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population.

Here’s the projected number of new homes each year:

• 2025-2026: 40

• 2026-2027: 40

• 2027-2028: 75

• 2028-2029: 75

• 2029-2030: 7

Abdul understands the importance of being proactive. Abbeyfield Living Society are working with community groups in places like Sunderland and Cambridge to better understand and adapt to diverse needs.

Abdul believes housing should respect faith and cultural sensitivities. This means including features like prayer spaces, culturally appropriate meals, and bilingual support to promote wellbeing and a sense of community for older people.

Another key focus for Abdul is the mismatch between the ethnic makeup of residents and staff in diverse areas. He sees this as a great opportunity to attract more diverse talent to the social care sector.

Building Bridges: The Core of Inclusive Communities

Abdul's main goal is to use our understanding of the market to create services that everyone can access fairly. He sees this as a major, generational opportunity.

Abbeyfield aims to be a leader in this area, and Abdul uses his network to champion this work. He's excited that the organisation's influence is growing, and they are being asked to help shape future programs with groups like the APPG and the Older Person Task Force.

He points to a recent case study on a scheme he helped deliver for Abbeyfield York Society as a great example. This project highlights sustainable and inclusive design, strong community partnerships, and promotes independent living.

When asked what's most important for an inclusive atmosphere, Abdul's answer is clear: "Trust, openness, and a willingness to learn." He stays connected to community needs by having direct conversations, suggesting, "Go out there and make positive connections and be open to talk over a cup of tea."

Under Abdul's leadership, Abbeyfield is committed to building communities that celebrate the rich diversity of the UK's older population.

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