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Tenants with mental health problems being let down, claims Mind
Mind has claimed the social housing system “just isn’t working” for people with mental health problems after new research highlighted significant dissatisfaction among tenants.
A study by the mental health charity found that one in three people with mental health problems living in social housing are dissatisfied with where they live.
According to previous research, one in three people who live in social housing have a mental health problem.
But Mind said that newly analysed data has shown that 43% of people with mental health issues living in social housing have seen their mental health deteriorate as a result of where they live.
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Of the 2,009 people Mind surveyed across different housing sectors, 1,762 were found to have mental health problems and 668 were living in social housing and had mental health problems. The survey also found that:
- More than one in seven (15%) experienced stigma from housing officials during the social housing application process
- More than one in four (27%) had problems with benefits such as Universal Credit or housing benefits
- Nearly three in 10 (28%) experienced stigma from neighbours or flatmates
Sophie Corlett, director of external relations at Mind, said the research showed that “people with mental health problems who need social housing are being let down at every stage of the process and the current system just isn’t working for people with mental health problems”.
She called on the government to start collecting data on social housing tenants with mental health problems and bemoaned the fact there was little mention of it in last month’s Social Housing Green Paper.
“Given how many people living in social housing are experiencing mental health problems, it’s shocking to see how little attention is given to mental health and housing,” she added.
Ms Corlett added: “We’d also like to see more training for those working for social housing providers to ensure they are well equipped to support tenants who have mental health problems.”
Catherine Ryder, head of policy at the National Housing Federation, said government cutbacks had made the situation more difficult.
“Helping tenants with challenging needs to live full, independent lives is complex,” she said. “It requires the right support from the government and other agencies, and years of cuts have undoubtedly made this more difficult.
“Ultimately, housing associations want to learn from their tenants’ experiences, and are committed to working with organisations like Mind to ensure they meet the needs of all tenants.”
