Helping people rebuild their lives

This week marks the first-ever Supported Housing Week, led by the National Housing Federation, highlighting the life-changing impact of supported housing.

Supported housing provides much more than a home. It offers stability, practical help and opportunities for people to build confidence, develop skills and live more independently.

At NCHA, we see that impact every day through our mental health supported housing services.

Supporting recovery and independence

At Lombard Street in Newark, we provide accommodation and support for people living with long-term mental ill-health for up to two years.

Alongside safe and secure housing, customers receive help to manage their mental health, develop everyday living skills and work towards greater independence. Residents are also supported to access education, employment, volunteering and community activities.

Housing, health and social care working together

Supported housing plays an important role within the wider health and social care system. The team at Lombard Street works closely with partners across Nottinghamshire to help people access the services they need and progress in their recovery.

Recognising the role supported housing can play in helping people recover closer to home and avoid more intensive interventions, Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board recently funded an additional in-reach bed space as part of a service extension.

The two-year contract provided six weeks of intensive housing-related support for people at a point of crisis, helping to improve their mental health and reduce the need for services such as hospital admission.

The service also provides commissioned outreach support for people who have moved on from supported accommodation. Currently supporting seven former residents living independently, support workers deliver personalised plans to help individuals settle into their new homes and sustain their tenancies. Support continues for as long as it is needed, helping people maintain their confidence and independence.

Investments like this benefit individuals and public services alike. Through the in-reach and outreach services, people are supported to manage their mental health, build confidence, reconnect with their communities and maintain independent tenancies. The service also helps people access the wider health and social care support they need, reducing reliance on more intensive interventions wherever possible

Real people, real outcomes

The impact of supported housing is best illustrated through the experiences of the people who use it.

·         Find out how Andy has found purpose and community volunteering at his local charity shop

·         Read how Phil learnt to rebuild his life and find a new found passion for fishing

Their stories show how the right home and support can help people rebuild confidence, regain independence and achieve goals that once felt out of reach.

Looking ahead

At a time when demand for mental health services continues to grow, schemes such as Lombard Street demonstrate what can be achieved when housing, health and social care providers work together around the needs of individuals.

Supported housing is an essential part of the wider system that helps people recover, regain confidence and live independently. Continued investment can deliver better outcomes for individuals, communities and public services alike.

Find out more about Lombard street and the wider support we deliver for those experiencing mental ill-health.