Supported Housing Services for People with Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Study

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings of a scoping study that aimed to explore evidence relating to models of good practice with regard to accommodation and related services for people with mental health problems in the UK. The literature reveals that there has tended to be an assumption that patients will progress from high(er) to low(er) levels of supported accommodation over time, thereby marginalising the needs of a core group of people with particularly challenging behaviour who require long-term, permanent accommodation with high levels of support. The paper concludes by examining the implications of the scoping study for current UK policies towards those with mental health problems.

Keywords:

• Supported housing
• mental health
• scoping study

Acknowledgements

The study was funded by the then Worcestershire Community and Mental Health Trust and Worcestershire Social Services.