The benefits of high-quality supported housing to the state and individual were highlighted in a report commissioned by the NHF (National Housing Federation).
This is why we at Rolig Homes are acting to support more people with quality accommodation and help with access to services.
Impact of Supported Housing on Homelessness Prevention, Health and Well Being
– Crisis Prevention & Emergency Response: Provides safe and secure accommodation, preventing rough sleeping and immediate homelessness.
– Repeat Prevention & Move-On Support: Helps residents transition into independent tenancies, reducing long-term homelessness.
– Barriers to Move-On: Lack of affordable housing and concerns from landlords slow down the transition process.
Impact on Health & Wellbeing
– Access to Healthcare: Supported housing helps residents register with GPs, attend health appointments, and receive diagnoses/treatment.
– Mental & Physical Health Support: 72,000 residents with mental health histories benefit from structured care and stability.
– Improved Wellbeing: Residents experience better health outcomes and social connections, reducing reliance on emergency services.
Partnership Working
– Collaboration with NHS & Social Care: Strong partnerships improve health outcomes and reduce strain on hospitals.
– Challenges in Mental Health Support: Less than half of residents needing mental health services receive timely assistance.
– Specialist Services: Targeted support for survivors of domestic abuse and those with complex needs enhances effectiveness.
Value for Money & Cost Savings
– Preventing Homelessness Costs: Without supported housing, an estimated 41,000 more people would experience core homelessness, costing over £40,000 per person per year.
– Reducing Psychiatric Care Demand: Prevents the need for 14,000 additional inpatient psychiatric places, each costing £170K per year.
– Lowering Criminal Justice Costs: Reduces demand for 2,000 additional prison places, each costing £32,700 per year.
– Savings in Residential Care: Prevents the need for 2,500 specialist residential care places, each costing £45,000–£50,000 per year.
Policy & Future Opportunities
– Integrated Care Systems (ICSs): Supported housing can play a greater role in NHS and social care strategies.
– Better Coordination Needed: Improved access to mental health services, move-on housing, and primary healthcare would enhance outcomes.
– Long-Term Funding Stability: Securing sustainable funding is essential to maintaining and expanding supported housing services.
You can read the full report here.
