Vulnerable To Get More Housing Help
More support for people with mental health needs is now available from West Wiltshire District Council’s housing team. A part-time specialist housing co-ordinator, Alison King, has been appointed to work with individuals who have mental health problems and are either homeless or threatened with homelessness.
Housing needs manager Adele Lodwig said: “This service has been piloted in Kennet and North Wiltshire, and has proven very successful. As a result, funding has been made available from the Wiltshire Supporting People partnership to enable the scheme to continue and also expand.”
Many of those who face homelessness in West Wiltshire have some history of mental illness. While the reasons for homelessness vary, it is often because the person has been evicted from their home or has been discharged from hospital with nowhere to live.
The three specialist housing co-ordinators in West Wiltshire, Kennet and North Wiltshire are now working closely with health professionals and housing officers to provide knowledgeable and tailored personal support.
Councillor Tom James, West Wiltshire’s housing portfolio holder, added: “These are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. In addition, there is often suspicion and misunderstanding around mental health issues.
“Having someone on staff who can provide these customers with the support that they need is a great step forward, and I am pleased to see our partnership working having such a positive effect on how we help local people.”