New homes offer a fresh start

Fifteen people from Salford will benefit from a partnership helping patients receiving treatment for mental health conditions. They will be able to move out of hospital or temporary mental health supported accommodation and make a new start in a permanent home.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with ForHousing to make sure people can be discharged from hospital or temporary mental health supported accommodation and return to the community.

A lack of suitable properties can lead to long delays in patients being discharged from hospital, with NHS data suggesting that over 40 per cent of patients currently receiving care in mental health hospitals do not actually need to be there.

ForHousing has offered the Trust direct access to 15 of its homes, with one of the landlord’s dedicated housing support officers providing intensive support for tenants.

“This project recognises the importance of housing in supporting an individual’s recovery and enabling them to live well in their own home,” said Karen Fitzsimon, Community and Supported Housing Lead for ForHousing.

“We’re already seeing the difference this can make to people’s lives. We want to help people find the right home for them, in a supportive and diverse community.” The promise of a permanent home is a huge step for patients, with mental ill health frequently cited as one of the main reasons for tenancy breakdown and homelessness.

“I think the project is a brilliant idea. The transition of individuals leaving hospital and securing their own accommodation is always a long and difficult process,” said Kevin Corcoran, the care coordinator for one of the people identified for the project.

“It will have a significant impact on the individuals leaving acute support and also mental health services trying to secure accommodation for their patients.”

Good quality housing is known to have a positive impact on mental health and we are pleased to be part of an encouraging initiative with ForHousing.

Deborah Partington, Director of Operations at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know many people with a mental health issue can live independently in their own home, after an inpatient stay in hospital and as a mental health trust, we are here to provide options and support to maintain this.

“Good quality housing is known to have a positive impact on mental health and we are pleased to be part of an encouraging initiative with ForHousing.”

Kelly Scapens, Supported Housing Manager, and Sara Dunnett, Housing Support Officer for ForHousing