Charity scheme tackles mental health and homelessness
People living with mental health problems are increasingly becoming homeless
A national mental health charity is launching a new service alongside Wiltshire Council to prevent people with mental health issues in Wiltshire becoming homeless.
The Community Housing Support Service is a joint project between Richmond Fellowship, the national charity making mental health recovery a reality, and Wiltshire Council with the aim of preventing people with mental health issues losing their homes.
Maggie Rae, corporate director at Wiltshire Council said: “Our aim is to protect the most vulnerable in the county and we are pleased we are able to provide this service alongside our partners.
“We hope this service will offer reassurance and support to those who need it most, helping prevent situations that see people with mental health issues homeless, alone and at risk.”
Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, said: “I am delighted we have been able to form this partnership which will offer support and guidance to vulnerable people in the county when they need it most.
“I hope it will make a big difference to people in their hour of need.”
Daniel O’Donoghue, locality manager for Richmond Fellowship in Wiltshire, praised the scheme, saying: “Community Housing Support will provide vital intervention to people in the area who face losing their home as a result of the issues that come with living with a mental health problem.
Richmond Fellowship will be running the service alongside Wiltshire Council
“These issues may be poor management of finances, issues with rent, anti-social behaviour or difficulty forming relationships with neighbours. By providing support before an individual reaches a point of crisis this new service will help keep people in their homes and prevent homelessness.”
The scheme, which will operate across Wiltshire, comes at a time when homeless figures are growing throughout the country with eight out of ten homeless people living with mental health problems.
Derek Caren, chief executive of Richmond Fellowship, said: “Schemes like Community Housing Support provide vital interventions to people who have mental health problems and face challenges as a result of this.
“Focusing on a persons’ specific needs is central to our organisational values and through schemes like this, that provide support at a vital time, we’re able to make a real difference to people living with mental health problems.”
Community Housing Support operates throughout Wiltshire. If you or anyone you know could benefit from the service, contact Richmond Fellowship directly on 01672 516393 or email the service here
