12.03.11
Social housing partnership to improve mental health
The NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network has recruited its first social housing provider as part of its aim to bring together all parts of the system to improve mental health. People will mental health problems are fare less likely to be homeowners and more likely to live in unstable environments.
Midland Heart provides and maintains thousands of homes, as well as supporting those who need help live independently. Working in partnership with organisations such as Midland Heart could significantly improve mental health across the UK through better care pathways and outcomes for service users.
NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network chair Shaun Clee said: “The importance of stable accommodation is beyond doubt. It acts as a platform from which to build connections within a community, and an opportunity to individualise a space of your own.
“It is a signal of stability to Government, employers and banks. A roof over your head, economic power and a sense of belonging are fundamental building blocks of mental health and wellbeing. It is for this reason that in December 2011 we co-authored Housing and Mental Health with the National Housing Federation.
“We anticipate that further social housing providers will join us over the next few months to work in productive partnerships that take aspirations to reality for the communities we collectively serve.”
Chris Munday, director for care and support, added: “We are proud and excited to be part of the Mental Health Network, we recognise that peoples’ mental health depends on a collaborative approach from a number of agencies.
“At Midland Heart we have a passion for ensuring that individuals experiencing mental health issues have access to the right housing, the right care and the highest services possible. Our involvement with the Mental Health Network will help to put housing at the very heart of improvements to mental health services.”
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