Mental Health Matters: Customer Support and Well-being in Social Housing
As a dedicated social housing provider, our commitment goes beyond offering shelter. We believe that every customer’s wellbeing is of paramount importance, and mental health plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe, stable, and thriving community. In this article, we delve into the significance of mental health in social housing and how our efforts are aimed at supporting our customers in this crucial aspect of their lives.
Today is World Mental Health Day, a crucial reminder to prioritise your mental wellbeing. This week, we unite to break the stigma surrounding mental health and emphasise the importance of self-care and support. We aim to prioritise mental wellbeing, not just this week, but every day. Reach out, seek help, and let’s foster a world where mental wellbeing is a priority. Together, we can make a difference.
The Connection Between Housing and Mental Health
Housing is more than just a physical structure, it’s a place where individuals and families find safety, security, and solace. Stable and suitable housing is a fundamental need that profoundly influences mental health. We believe that a stable home provides a foundation for individuals to tackle life’s challenges, pursue opportunities, and maintain positive mental wellbeing.
Destigmatizing Mental Health in Social Housing
Stigma remains a significant obstacle to addressing mental health challenges within our communities. At times, tenants may hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or discrimination. As a social housing provider, we strive to create an environment that encourages open conversations about mental health, fostering understanding, empathy, and support.
Through education, awareness campaigns, and open dialogues, we aim to destigmatise mental health issues. By normalising conversations and promoting a culture of acceptance, we hope to encourage tenants to seek the assistance they need without fear of prejudice. Our Independent Living Coordinators and Customer Voice Officer conduct various programmes and campaigns that are designed to support our tenants.
Our Supportive Initiatives
We recognise the importance of proactive measures to support our customer’s mental health. Here are some initiatives we’ve implemented to prioritise their mental wellbeing:
1. Holistic Wellness Programs:
We encourage holistic wellness by organising physical fitness classes, art therapy sessions, and nature activities. Physical health is intricately linked to mental health, and these activities aim to boost both. Contact your Independent Living Coordinators and Customer Voice Officer as they conduct various programmes and campaigns that are designed to support our tenants.
We also have various support groups and sessions for our customers in the over 50’s group at LifeTime and additional help and support for all ages at The Gateway. Accessible mental health services that help tenants cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. You can access LifeTime’s calendar here to join in on any of the events.
2. Tenant Advocacy and Empowerment:
We actively involve our customers in decision making processes, ensuring their voices are heard when it comes to initiatives. Customer feedback and suggestions are invaluable in shaping our support programmes. We are continuing to look at ways to increase the membership of our Scrutiny Panel (WHASP) and how the roles within the group can be varied, enabling customers to get involved at a level that suits them. Including playing their part in reviewing our policies, performance and services.
3. Additional Support Resources:
Here are some additional professional support resources in the UK that you can use if you or someone you know requires assistance:
📞 Helplines:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free, confidential), https://www.samaritans.org/
- Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 6 PM), https://www.mind.org.uk/
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 85258 (24/7, free, confidential)
🌐 Online Support:
- Mind: mind.org.uk (Information and support)
- NHS Every Mind Matters: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ (Resources and tips)
📱 Apps:
- Headspace
- Calm
Here are some mental health support apps available in the UK that provide various forms of assistance and resources for mental wellbeing:
- Headspace:
- Provides guided meditation, mindfulness practices, and exercises for stress, anxiety, sleep, and focus.
- Calm:
- Offers guided meditation sessions, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to promote better sleep and reduce stress.
- MindShift CBT:
- Focuses on managing anxiety through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, including relaxation exercises and strategies for challenging anxious thoughts.
- Therapy for Black Girls:
- An app that offers mental health resources and a therapist directory, particularly focused on supporting Black women’s mental health.
- SilverCloud:
- Provides online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
- Elefriends:
- Run by the mental health charity Mind, Elefriends is a supportive online community where users can share their experiences and offer each other support.
- Woebot:
- A chatbot app that uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to provide emotional support and coping strategies for various mental health concerns.
- Rise Up + Recover:
- Specifically designed for those recovering from eating disorders, offering tools for self monitoring, meal planning, and coping strategies.
- Daylio:
- A mood and journaling app that allows users to track their mood and activities daily, promoting self reflection and mental wellbeing.
- My Possible Self:
- Focuses on mental health self help, including modules for managing stress, anxiety, and low mood, incorporating CBT principles.
Remember, if you’re in need of professional assistance, it’s essential to reach out to a mental health professional or helpline. These apps can be valuable tools but should not replace professional guidance and care.
Our Mental Health First Aiders were deeply touched by the video we have shared below and recommended sharing it with all of you. Let’s not limit our conversations about mental health to just Mental Health Day. Lives are at stake every day, and our support is crucial. A few simple words can make a significant difference. Click here to view the video.
Mental health matters, and as a social housing provider, we are committed to addressing this critical aspect of our customer’s lives. By fostering an environment of understanding, promoting education, and offering accessible support services, we aim to enhance the mental wellbeing of our community. Together, let’s build a community where every customer feels supported, valued, and equipped to lead a fulfilling life. Your mental health is our priority.
