In two corners of England, innovative approaches are giving vulnerable people a new sense of independence and dignity—whether they’re battling dementia in Medway or facing homelessness on the streets of Wolverhampton. These efforts, launched or expanded as of October 13, 2025, harness technology and community partnerships to offer support that’s practical, compassionate, and, in many cases, life-changing.
Let’s start in Medway, where hundreds of residents—many elderly or living with disabilities—are experiencing a quieter revolution in home care. According to the BBC, Medway Council has rolled out a technology system called Lilli, which relies on discreet sensors and artificial intelligence to keep an eye (metaphorically speaking) on daily routines. Unlike traditional surveillance, there are no cameras or microphones. Instead, small sensors track movement, fridge openings, sleep patterns, bathroom visits, and even home temperature.
This isn’t just about data for data’s sake. The system’s AI learns what’s normal for each individual and quickly spots anything out of the ordinary—be it a skipped meal, reduced mobility, or wandering at night. That means carers and families can respond faster, sometimes before a crisis unfolds. In its first year alone, Medway Council reports the technology has already saved the authority £1.6 million—a figure that’s hard to ignore in tight economic times.
For families, the peace of mind is just as valuable. Brett Burnell, whose father Keith lives with dementia and has Lilli installed in his flat, told the BBC, “I can check that he’s safe within his home and it allows him to continue to be at home for the foreseeable future.” Both Brett and his sister use the Lilli app, which lets them monitor their father’s activity. “Obviously I can check that he’s eating when the fridge is opened and I know that he’s awake and that he’s able to get everything,” Brett added. It’s a simple but powerful reassurance for relatives who might otherwise worry constantly about their loved ones’ wellbeing.
Councillor Teresa Murray, deputy leader of Medway Council, highlighted how the data “is helping us to transform how we deliver care.” She noted that sometimes the system reveals when someone is no longer able to live alone, but more often it provides “much-needed reassurance to families that their loved ones are safe to stay in their homes and communities, which is where they want to be.”
The Lilli system is part of a wider movement among several councils to use digital tools to meet the growing demand for care—especially as populations age and resources are stretched thin. The technology’s advocates point to evidence that for every £1 spent, councils can save £45 and free up thousands of hours usually needed from carers. That’s not just good for budgets; it means more people can get the support they need, when they need it, and in the place they most want to be: their own homes.
Clare Burgess, CEO of Kyndi (the council’s wholly owned technology partner delivering the program), underscored the system’s broader benefits. “This really makes a difference to people’s lives,” she said, pointing to the “social impact within Medway as people are more connected to their communities.” For many, it’s not just about safety—it’s about dignity, autonomy, and the chance to stay part of the fabric of local life.
Meanwhile, in Wolverhampton, a different kind of partnership is taking shape, aimed at helping homeless people take their first steps back into employment and, ultimately, stable living. The Big Issue, a social enterprise known for its magazine sold by vendors experiencing homelessness, has teamed up with local charity Good Shepherd and the City of Wolverhampton Council to create new pathways out of destitution.
As reported by the BBC, the partnership offers practical support for those experiencing homelessness, with a dedicated pitch for vendors now agreed in Wolverhampton city centre. The heart of the initiative is the Good Shepherd’s breakfast club, which provides a cooked breakfast, hot showers, clean clothing, and crucial advice for people who’ve spent the night on the streets. Here, The Big Issue team is on hand to guide individuals through the process of becoming vendors—a job that can restore confidence, provide a legitimate income, and set people on the path to independence.
Tom Hayden, chief executive at the Good Shepherd, put it plainly: “This partnership with The Big Issue and City of Wolverhampton Council will offer individuals experiencing street homelessness another pathway to rebuild their lives. Whether it starts with a meal or a conversation at our breakfast club, every step forward matters, and we’re committed to walking alongside people on their journey to recovery.”
Mohammed Afzal, The Big Issue’s front-line area manager in the West Midlands, encouraged the public to play their part: “The partnership with Good Shepherd and City of Wolverhampton Council provides an amazing opportunity anyone who is struggling and wishes to improve their lives by selling the magazine, particularly in supporting those people who are currently homeless. We should see more vendors in and around the city. If anyone see a vendor, please do stop and have a chat with them, and buy the magazine if you can. It’s well worth the read.”
There’s a sense of optimism in the air, even as the challenges remain daunting. Council deputy leader Steve Evans explained, “This will give homeless people, or individuals at risk of homelessness in Wolverhampton, an opportunity to step into employment earning a legitimate income. It can help them regain stability and independence with the right support, having a positive impact on the wider city.”
The partnership is designed to be more than a one-off gesture. By centering the initiative around the breakfast club, it meets people where they are—literally and figuratively—and offers a holistic package: food, hygiene, clothing, guidance, and a real shot at employment. It’s a model that recognizes the complexity of homelessness and the need for flexible, person-centered solutions.
Both the Medway and Wolverhampton initiatives reflect a broader shift in social care and support across the UK. There’s growing recognition that technology and community action, when thoughtfully combined, can offer solutions that are not only more efficient but also more humane. Whether it’s AI quietly watching over a vulnerable pensioner or a charity breakfast laying the groundwork for a new beginning, these stories are reminders that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand.
For now, hundreds in Medway are living more safely and independently at home, while in Wolverhampton, a hot meal and a friendly conversation might just be the first step back to stability. In both places, the message is clear: small changes—be they digital sensors or a magazine pitch—can make a world of difference.
