Tackling Welfare Gaps With Tic Tech Match
Posted on 9th January 2025

Longleigh has featured in the recent Social Policy blog, which highlights how housing associations and charities like Longleigh are addressing the gaps left by the welfare state.
The article, Housing and Papering Over the Cracks in the Welfare State, takes a close look at the challenges faced by individuals and families reliant on social housing, particularly when welfare support falls short. It celebrates Longleigh’s work in providing essential, innovative support that goes beyond traditional grant-making, with a focus on the wellbeing and resilience of residents.
Our priority at Longleigh is to look at how we can address the root causes of issues faced by social housing residents, from financial insecurity and health challenges to barriers to employment. So, through a mix of individual grants and funded projects, our mission is to empower people, strengthen communities, and support residents in overcoming complex challenges with dignity.
INVITE Project
That’s where the INVITE project comes in. The project led by Professor Vikki McCall, University of Stirling explored what independence looks like for older adults, by using storytelling and co-production to engage stakeholders at every level. The project focused on the small but significant things that improves lives, breaks down stigma and encourages collaboration.
A key outcome of the INVITE project is Tic Tech Match, a card game designed to help care practitioners use technology in creative ways to support older adults. Developed using ISPA principles (Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, Adapt), the game challenges stigma through thoughtful and inclusive design. Stonewater Housing Association is already using Tic Tech Match in supported living sites across the UK. The game is accompanied by a practitioner guide and training materials to facilitate widespread adoption.
The INVITE project and Tic Tech Match are excellent examples of how co-production and creative solutions can tackle systemic issues while improving the wellbeing of older social housing residents.
Shaping the future of social housing
Our recent feature in Social Policy highlights the value of projects like this and the broader collaboration between housing providers and charities like Longleigh.
This recognition reflects the dedication of everyone involved—from the Longleigh team to our partners and supporters. The collective effort to build resilience and independence among social housing residents and communities is clearing the path for meaningful impact and change.
Read the full Social Policy blog and learn more about how research projects like INVITE are shaping the future of social housing and welfare.