Breaking New Ground: Shared Supported Housing for People with Mental Health Related Difficulties

Abstract

This paper describes the establishment by a government mental health support agency of a network of rented houses in which assistance was available to tenants at key times seven days a week during its first two years of functioning. This was the first project in the mental health area in South Australia to involve ‘direct care workers’ in the provision of on-site assistance. They have proved to be an invaluable resource. For tenants it has provided an opportunity to maintain family ties while becoming independent, with some help in resolving day-to-day difficulties available as required. Areas within the scheme which need further discussion and change have been noted and are being addressed systematically by workers and tenants. Similarly, key achievements to be preserved and enhanced are outlined.