Agenda item - Brighton & Hove Mental Health & Housing Place Based Plan

Report of the Executive Director, Health and Adult Social Care (copy attached)

                    RESOLVED – That the Board notes the content of the report.  

24.1    The Board considered a report of the Executive Director, Health & Adult Social Care detailing the Mental Health & Housing Place Based Plan’

24.2    It was noted that that the links between mental health and housing were well established with good quality housing being a component in enabling positive mental health and wellbeing. In July 2020 the Sussex Health and Care Partnership had published a Strategic Plan for Integrating Housing and Mental Health systems across Sussex including all relevant partners both statutory and voluntary. The purpose of this to bring partners together around a shared set of priorities with the aim of supporting a shared set of priorities aimed to increase access to support and accommodation provision for those with mental health needs within the city and to support better integration of services to improve outcomes for service users. There were a number of crossovers and common themes with the previous agenda item.

24.3    Councillor Shanks, the Chair, sought clarification regarding how individuals were prioritised, those who had been identified as having difficulties in accessing and maintaining private accommodation were given assistance, across all age groups and having been identified as having multiple needs.  

24.4    Councillor Appich referred to that fact on occasion it could be possible that individuals placed in some of our housing units could encounter resistance from other residents, asking regarding measures in place to address that. It was explained that where individuals were housed was handled carefully and sensitively. The Panel which oversaw the process had the necessary level of support in place prior to any placement being made.

24.5    In answer to further questions by Councillor Shanks, the Chair, it was confirmed that placements were made applying a partnership approach, work was cross-cutting across various work streams. It was also explained that there was a high demand for completely self-contained accommodation and that a number of individuals were placed in accommodation outside the city, particularly into residential care or supported living because that provision was not currently available in the city.

24.6    Councillor Robins asked whether individuals were placed into shared housing and it was confirmed that very careful consideration was given to whether such accommodation would be suitable.

24.7    David Liley, Healthwatch welcomed the report. It had been identified that 92% of those interviewed had identified mental health and housing as being integral to their problems, but did not feel that was being adequately met. Staff working with these individuals had identified high levels of need. There was clearly a disconnect between intended outcomes and delivery. Healthwatch welcomed the report and the opportunity to be involved in the process.

24.8    Councillor Appich asked regarding the numbers of people identified and the number who had needed to be accommodated outside of the city. Those figures were not available at the meeting and it was agreed that they would be provided separately.                                   

24.9    RESOLVED – That the Board notes the content of the report.