We were delighted to welcome Sally Warren, Director General of Adult Social Care to Look Ahead’s services this week to see the positive impact of supported housing for people with mental health needs. The visit highlighted how Look Ahead’s community pathway model supports individuals with complex needs to live independently. Sally observed staff helping customers build independence and wellbeing through tailored support and met with individuals who had benefitted from these services to speak about their experiences.
The importance of supported housing was discussed in light of a national shortage – 91,000 units are needed for working-aged adults, rising to 350,000 including older people. Cross-government advocacy is crucial to address this gap. Housing is a key factor in health outcomes: one-third of GP time addresses housing and benefits, showing the value of professional support staff.
Supported housing is both effective and cost-efficient, costing only 25-50% of hospital care. Increased commissioning boosts NHS capacity and saves money, as seen in Sussex where discharge delays have dropped and initiatives like Ibis House have reduced costly out-of-area bed use.
Following her visit, Sally said: ‘Great day with Look Ahead Care and Support, visiting three of their services in East London. Brilliant to see such good examples of supported housing for individuals with mental health needs’.
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