Poor mental health, money worries, and living with a disability can have a distressing impact on lives, but Ealing Council’s supported housing service is helping to change this.
We spoke to Paul, who lives with a learning disability, mental health challenges, and mobility issues, about how the service is working to improve his wellbeing.
The council’s supported living team provides housing support for vulnerable people with mental health challenges and has been helping Paul since February.
“I feel much more positive about life,” he said.
Supported housing is a step between standard council housing and a care home. The council’s service offers tailored resources and support to vulnerable adults, helping them to live independently, and maintain a secure council tenancy.
Finding strength through support
Paul, 59, was unable to manage his mental health and finances after his mum moved into full-time residential care. He became isolated from family and friends, and depression made it difficult to look after himself and go to work, making him severely vulnerable.
The council’s supported living team stepped in to help Paul manage his day-to-day life which involved him moving into supported housing in Acton in February.
Since his move, Paul has made remarkable progress. He is now more comfortable opening up and discussing personal issues, which means his supported housing officer, Aneela, can provide the right guidance and help to keep his life on track.
“I feel great about living in my new flat,” Paul said. “It’s a good size flat that I am able to maintain myself. Aneela checks in with me regularly and this gives me more confidence.”
Before the move, Paul struggled with basic activities such as eating properly or socialising. Now, with Aneela’s help, he attends IT classes, visits the library, has joined the gym, and keeps up with medical appointments – all of which have positively impacted his health.
Paul added: “Before, I used to get post and I was frightened to open it, but now with Aneela’s support I can do this myself and ask for help when I need it. There is a sense of security. When I am in my flat, I feel safe.”
Support that makes a difference
Paul’s sister Sharon, who lives abroad, reached out to the council initiating the process to help get Paul’s life back on track. She told us: “The service is invaluable. Paul is starting to thrive, is more confident, and seems so much happier. It is a wonderful service, and I feel blessed to have this for my brother. It was heart wrenching prior to the supported housing. My personal thank you to Aneela who has provided the structured support for Paul.”
After at least 2 years in supported housing, each tenant’s independent living skills are assessed to determine if the service is still suitable for their needs. This period allows tenants to develop vital skills such as managing finances and engaging with local services. If a tenant is ready to move on, tailored support continues based on individual needs.
As with all social housing in the borough, demand for supported housing exceeds availability. The council’s new housing strategy aims to improve support for those who need it by reviewing and strengthening the offer to meet growing demand.
‘Help to live confidently and independently’
Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, said: “The council is dedicated to creating a safe, structured environment where tenants can build essential life skills to support their gradual transition towards independent living. Despite the challenges the supported housing services face, our officers continue to work tirelessly to support residents in need of extra guidance and help them live confidently and independently.”
Find out more
For more information about supported housing, or to make a referral, email sst@ealing.gov.uk. Referrals are accepted from professionals only.
