Single homelessness and mental health in Hackney
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In April 2018, Healthwatch Hackney (HWH) and City and Hackney Mind (Mind) produced this report to provide insight into the experiences of single homeless people with mental health needs in the London Borough of Hackney. They felt it important for statutory commissioners and services to understand these experiences.
They interviewed 20 single homeless adults with mental health needs. 12 out of the 20 contributors were aged 50 or under, 12 were men and 8 were from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic & Refugee Groups. Discussions focused on the homelessness application process, temporary housing and hostel conditions, and hospital admission and discharge.
We spoke to people about their experience of the homelessness application process and accommodation. It was clear the process was especially stressful for people with mental needs and that poor communication, long waits and lack of understanding had compounded their mental ill-health. Most told us they found the application process disempowering, opaque, confusing and often fraught with delays.
Healthwatch Hackney hope the report will spur service and commissioner engagement with people who have mental health and housing needs in the borough. The report makes 12 recommendations but does not contain a response from any providers.