Importantly, these issues are often interlinked. Mental health issues can often make it difficult for a person to secure or maintain accommodation without support, and housing and financial insecurity can worsen mental health problems.
Experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity can lead to poor mental health. The recent Wolverhampton Homeless Health Needs Audit found that 3 quarters of people experiencing homelessness consider themselves to have one or more mental health conditions.
A number of local organisations are marking World Mental Health Day with special events taking place at Central Library on Tuesday including a Creative Writing Session with Recovery College designed to show people how creative writing can boost their wellbeing from 11.30am to 1.30pm, a Tea & Talk and drop in session with Wolverhampton Talking Therapies from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and a 90 minute Wellbeing City Walking Tour starting at the library at 10am. All are welcome.
Organisations across Wolverhampton are on hand to support people if they feel that their home is at risk. People who are either homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless, are asked to contact Homeless Services on 01902 556789 or via homeless.services@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk as soon as possible.
Advice and guidance on homelessness and housing can also be found:
- on the City of Wolverhampton Council’s website
- on Wolverhampton Homes’ Homeless Services webpages
- at Rent with confidence (for landlords and tenants in the private rented sector in Wolverhampton)
- via national housing charity Shelter
- from Advice Aid, a homelessness prevention tool offering tailored advice 24 hours a day
- and from Good Shepherd Wolverhampton, which provides support for those experiencing homelessness
Organisations which can support people who are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing, or that of others, include:
- The Samaritans (call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org - emails will be replied to within 24 hours)
- The Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 support line (0800 008 6516)
- NHS Wolverhampton Talking Therapies (or call 0800 923 0222, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
- The Sanctuary Hub (call 01902 572040, 6pm to 11pm, Monday to Friday, noon to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday)
- The NHS approved “Better Health – Every Mind Matters” also offers a range of information about good mental health and wellbeing, including self assessment, audio guides and practical tools, at Better Health
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Around a quarter of people in England are likely to experience a mental health problem but, among the homeless and those at risk of homelessness, that number is much higher.
"The theme of World Mental Health Day this year is that mental health is a universal human right, meaning that everyone should be supported regardless of their circumstances.
"Homelessness is not just a housing issue and a case of providing someone with accommodation, but looking holistically at all of their needs including often high mental health needs.
"There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety. This could be as simple as taking a walk, prioritising our sleep or opening up to a friend. Every Mind Matters has lots of tips and tools including a Mind Plan to help us look after our own mental health and make a big difference to how we feel.
“As a council, we are committed to working hard with our partners to support people who are homeless, who may risk losing their home, or are otherwise suffering from mental health issues, and – this World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day – I would encourage people to seek the support they, or their loved ones, may need.”
Tom Hayden, CEO of the Good Shepherd charity, added: “We often find that the people who present to us are not experiencing homelessness in isolation, but are also trying to address other complex issues in their lives.
“Many may be dealing with breakdown in relationships, financial difficulties and the challenges of the cost of living crisis, or problems with addictions, all of which are adversely affecting their mental health.
“That is why staff at the Good Shepherd are on hand not just to provide practical help and assistance, but also to listen and work through our service users’ concerns and, in cases where additional support may be needed, refer them to partner agencies elsewhere in the city.”
