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Phillips OR, Mardell D, Stephenson K, Hussain S, Burton D, Bernard B, Stevenson S, Morling JR. Bringing the voice of social housing tenants into shaping the health and care research agenda. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2024; 10:85. [PMID: 39118181 PMCID: PMC11312242 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-024-00613-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A larger percentage of social housing tenants have poorer physical and mental health outcomes compared to private renters and homeowners. They are also at a greater risk of respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, communicable disease transmission and mortality. One approach that aims to reduce health inequalities is to create research partnerships with underserved local communities. Our primary aim was to develop a research partnership with social housing tenants in Nottingham and our secondary aim was to explore the health priorities of these social housing tenants to inform future research applications. We also hope to provide a descriptive process of PPI within a social housing context for other researchers to learn from. METHODS We used Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) as the foundation of this work, as we believed that people with lived experience of social housing, also end-users of the research, were best placed to inform us of the areas with the greatest research need. Through online and in-person focus groups, we discussed with tenants, collectively named a Social Advisory Group (SAG), their health concerns and priorities. Together they raised 26 health issues, which were combined with 22 funding opportunity themes being offered by the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research). This was with the purpose of investigating whether there was alignment between the health needs of Nottingham's social housing tenants and the NIHR's research priorities. A prioritisation technique (Diamond Nine) was used to sort in total, 48 areas of health and wellbeing, into three top priorities. Tenants were provided the opportunity to be involved in public health research in other ways too, such as reviewing this paper and also an NIHR Programme Development Grant application to expand and continue this work. One was also offered the opportunity to be a public co-applicant. RESULTS The group prioritised improvements in the quality of social housing, mental health and healthcare services. There was only some alignment between these and the NIHR funding themes. Other factors, such as age and race, also determined individual health priorities. . The diversity and reach of the current project were limited, however this is something we hope to improve in the future with more funding. We learned that tenants have varying degrees of mobility and technological abilities, requiring both online and in-person meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Phillips
- Nottingham Centre for Public Health and Epidemiology, Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joanne R Morling
- Nottingham Centre for Public Health and Epidemiology, Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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Cheung ESL. The Association between Residential Environment and Self-Rated Mental Health among Older Canadians: The Moderating Effects of Education and Gender. Can J Aging 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38778472 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980824000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the associations between residential environment and self-rated mental health (SRMH) among Canadians aged 65 or older (n = 16,304) and whether education and gender moderated the associations. Data came from the 2018 Canadian Housing Survey. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to test the associations. Analyses revealed that increased dwelling size was associated with better SRMH among older women with high school education. Older adults with higher satisfaction with their dwelling design were more likely to report better SRMH, except for women with some college education. Feeling safer in the community was uniquely associated with better SRMH for men with high school education and women with a university degree. Results confirmed significant associations between specific home and residential environment features and SRMH for each gender-by-education group. Environmental programs designed to improve SRMH for older adult populations should consider within- and between-group diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Siu Leung Cheung
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Reyes-Farias D, Finucane E, Watson A, Resnick B, Reid C, Gupta S, Jahan M, Sadovnikov K, Brown RT. "You Need to Keep It Going, Mind, Body, and Spirit": Older Adults' Perspectives on Aging in Place in Subsidized Housing. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2024; 35:159-185. [PMID: 38661865 PMCID: PMC11047029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
In the U.S., more than one million older adults with low incomes live in apartment buildings subsidized by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Although this population experiences disproportionate rates of nursing home admission, little is known about residents' perspectives on factors that influence their ability to live independently in these settings. Fifty-eight residents aged 62 and older and eight study partners participated in qualitative interviews about their perspectives on living independently in subsidized housing, including barriers and facilitators. We analyzed transcripts using a hybrid inductive and deductive approach to qualitative thematic analysis. Barriers and facilitators for living independently in subsidized housing related to the influence of the social and physical environment on individuals' experiences of living independently, including factors unique to subsidized housing. Findings suggest how interventions to optimize functional status and promote independence among older adults living in subsidized housing can build on existing strengths of the subsidized housing environment to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Reyes-Farias
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Perelman School of
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erin Finucane
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amanda Watson
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Barbara Resnick
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore,
Maryland
| | - Carolina Reid
- College of Environmental Design, University of California,
Berkeley, California
| | - Sonia Gupta
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Perelman School of
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Momana Jahan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Perelman School of
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Rebecca T. Brown
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Perelman School of
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Program, Corporal Michael J.
Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal
Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
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Freund M, Clapham M, Ooi JY, Adamson D, Boyes A, Sanson-Fisher R. The health and wellbeing of Australian social housing tenants compared to people living in other types of housing. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2334. [PMID: 38001441 PMCID: PMC10675914 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although social housing provides access to safe and affordable housing, recent studies have found that social housing tenants consistently have lower levels of health and well-being compared to other people. Given this, there is a need to examine multimorbidity for social housing tenants. METHODS Secondary data analysis of the 2017-18 Australian National Health Survey (n = 14,327) compared the health of adults residing in social housing compared to people in other housing types (private rentals, homeowners, and homeowners/mortgagees). RESULTS Most health factors examined were more prevalent in social housing tenants compared to those living in other housing types. Individual health problems identified as more highly prevalent in social housing tenants compared to all other housing types included mental health issues (43%), arthritis (36%), back problems (32%), hypertension (25%), asthma (22%) and COPD (11%). 24% of social housing tenants reported five or more health factors compared to 3-6% of people in other housing types. CONCLUSIONS Although these findings are not unexpected, they provide more detailed evidence that social housing providers and policy makers should consider when planning future initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Freund
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales (NSW), 2308, Australia.
- Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Matthew Clapham
- Clinical Research Design and Statistics Support Unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jia Ying Ooi
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales (NSW), 2308, Australia
| | - David Adamson
- Home in Place Co Ltd., Newcastle West, NSW, Australia
- University of South Wales, Cardiff, South Wales, UK
| | - Allison Boyes
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales (NSW), 2308, Australia
- Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Sanson-Fisher
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales (NSW), 2308, Australia
- Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Kerr C, Denee T, Vincent SA, Bailey KM, Young AH, Rathod S, Desai M, Baldock L, Jacobsen N. The lived experience of major and treatment-resistant depression in England: a mixed-methods study. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 240:104035. [PMID: 37734244 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, frequently recurrent condition associated with decreased well-being and increased healthcare-related costs. Mixed-methods research provides multiple ways of illustrating the phenomenon to better understand patient experience, including where treatment is not working, referred to here as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). METHODS A mixed-methods study investigated the experiences of people with symptomatic MDD, symptomatic TRD or TRD in remission, surveying 148 adults recruited from English clinical sites to measure symptom severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L/World Health Organisation Brief Assessment of QoL [WHOQOL-BREF]) and work productivity/activity impairment (WPAI:D). Interviews with 26 survey respondents were analysed thematically. Integrated datasets explored areas of convergence and divergence, with concepts mapped against the EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS Qualitative data explained low WHOQOL-BREF domain scores and the interrelation of psychological, emotional, cognitive and physical difficulties. Tiredness, lack of energy and motivation impacted daily activities, socialising and career goals. Low work performance scores were explained by poor concentration, decision-making and motivation. Participants also described the influence of social support and housing insecurity. Only 19 % of HRQoL qualitative codes mapped to the EQ-5D-5L. Themes dominant in patients with TRD were inability to cope, self-care challenges, dissatisfaction with mental health services and treatment pessimism. LIMITATIONS Limited data collected on people with TRD in remission. CONCLUSIONS The EQ-5D-5L and WPAI:D likely underestimate how depression impacts the HRQoL and work of people with MDD or TRD. Qualitative data suggest increased distress for people with TRD compared to those with MDD. Clinical management and treatment access decisions should consider the broader impacts of depression and environmental factors affecting the patient's experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Denee
- Janssen-Cilag Ltd., High Wycombe, UK.
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Brown P, Newton D, Armitage R, Monchuk L, Robson B. Locked down: Ontological security and the experience of COVID-19 while living in poor-quality housing. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:2509-2529. [PMID: 35611443 PMCID: PMC9347395 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to illustrate how the housing system in the United Kingdom (UK) has contributed to creating vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on the concept of ontological security we look at how living with housing insecurity whilst enduring poor housing conditions has impacted the lives of those living in households. The paper draws on semi-structured interviews with 50 residents and 8 housing professionals. The findings outline the grinding impact of the pandemic on the ontological security of residents and the coping strategies adopted by a wider range of households who are now increasingly vulnerable. A number of people went into lockdown in vulnerable situations, experiencing deep inequalities and living in poorly maintained homes. This has weakened the ontological security experienced by many households. These represent significant failings of the housing system and housing policy impacting on the health and wellbeing of a wider cohort of people creating additional vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Brown
- School of Human and Health SciencesUniversity of HuddersfieldHuddersfieldUK
| | - Dillon Newton
- School of Human and Health SciencesUniversity of HuddersfieldHuddersfieldUK
| | - Rachel Armitage
- School of Human and Health SciencesUniversity of HuddersfieldHuddersfieldUK
| | - Leanne Monchuk
- School of Human and Health SciencesUniversity of HuddersfieldHuddersfieldUK
| | - Brian Robson
- Policy & Public AffairsNorthern Housing ConsortiumSunderlandUK
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Paisi M, Allen Z, Shawe J. New Home, New You: A retrospective mixed-methods evaluation of a health-related behavioural intervention programme supporting social housing tenants. Health Expect 2023; 26:752-764. [PMID: 36628614 PMCID: PMC10010073 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social housing tenants are at greater risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviours than the general population. Housing association employees are in an ideal position to contribute positively to their tenants' health. 'New Home, New You' (NHNY) is a joint venture between a social housing association, a city council and a community healthcare provider in the South West of England. It was designed with the aim of improving the health and well-being of social housing tenants. OBJECTIVES The aim of this retrospective evaluation was to establish whether social housing tenants were benefiting from this health-related behavioural intervention in terms of their mental well-being and health-related behaviours. METHODS This was a mixed-methods evaluation. The outcome evaluation was a secondary analysis of quantitative data collected during the NHNY project. The process of delivering and receiving the intervention was evaluated using qualitative, semi-structured interviews with housing officers and tenants who had participated in the programme. The development of the intervention was evaluated through a focus group and additional semistructured interviews with key stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Qualitative interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Six key stakeholders and a total of seven housing officers from several teams and seven tenants were interviewed. Of the 1016 tenants who were invited to participate in NHNY, 226 enroled in the programme. For participating tenants, the scope for health-related behaviour change was greatest in relation to eating and smoking. Small positive statistically significant changes in mental health were found between the 6- and 12-month mean score and between the baseline and the 12-month score. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that NHNY may have been beneficial for some participating tenants. Housing officers can have a significant role in promoting health messages and embedding behaviour change among their tenants. Although the programme was implemented as a service improvement rather than a controlled trial and focused on a particular intervention and geographical area, other housing associations may find this evaluation useful for considering whether to adopt some of the principles applied in NHNY in other settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION A social housing tenant representative provided input on the methodology and methods used to evaluate NHNY, as well as the information sheet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Paisi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK.,Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Zoe Allen
- Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Jill Shawe
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK
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Brake TM, Dudek V, Sauzet O, Razum O. Psychosocial Attributes of Housing and Their Relationship With Health Among Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Populations in High-Income Countries: Systematic Review. Public Health Rev 2023; 44:1605602. [PMID: 37213704 PMCID: PMC10193459 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1605602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Housing as a social determinant of health should provide not only shelter, but also a feeling of home. We explored psychosocial pathways creating a sense of home and influencing the relationship between housing and health among asylum seekers and refugees (ASR) in high-income countries. Methods: We performed a systematic review. To be included, studies had to be peer-reviewed, published between 1995 and 2022, and focus on housing and health of ASR in high-income countries. We conducted a narrative synthesis. Results: 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. The psychosocial attributes influencing health most often identified were control, followed by expressing status, satisfaction, and demand. Most attributes overlap with material/physical attributes and have an impact on ASR's mental health. They are closely interconnected with each other. Conclusion: Psychosocial attributes of housing play an essential role in the health of ASR; they are closely associated with material/physical attributes. Therefore, future research on housing and health of ASR should routinely study psychosocial attributes, but always in association with physical ones. The connections between these attributes are complex and need to be further explored. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021239495.
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Diduck B, Rawleigh M, Pilapil A, Geeraert E, Mah A, Chen SP. Mental health needs of homeless and recently housed individuals in Canada: A meta-ethnography. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e3579-e3592. [PMID: 36057960 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Homeless individuals are disproportionately likely to experience mental health conditions, and typically face many systemic barriers to access mental health services. This study sought to determine the mental health needs of homeless and recently housed individuals in Canada. A meta-ethnography was conducted to synthesise existing qualitative data and translate themes across a broader context. Thirty-five studies on the experiences of 1511 individuals with a history of homelessness were included. Themes were interpreted by comparing and contrasting findings across multiple contexts. Distinct, yet highly interrelated, unmet mental health needs were revealed through personal narratives of trauma, stigmatisation, victimisation, and a lack of basic necessities. Six themes that characterised this population's mental health needs were ontological security, autonomy, hope and purpose, empowerment, social connection and belonging, and access to services. This study revealed homeless individuals' unmet mental health needs to inform social and policy change and improve psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronte Diduck
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mikaela Rawleigh
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alexandra Pilapil
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erin Geeraert
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amanda Mah
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shu-Ping Chen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
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Understanding the mental health impacts of poor quality private-rented housing during the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. Health Place 2022; 78:102898. [PMID: 36179530 PMCID: PMC9393172 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Marquez E, Coughenour C, Gakh M, Tu T, Usufzy P, Gerstenberger S. A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Residential Housing Tenants’ Concerns about Property Habitability and the Implementation of Habitability Laws in Southern Nevada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148537. [PMID: 35886389 PMCID: PMC9317624 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Housing is a key health determinant. Habitability laws set minimum standards for adequate housing. However, accessing them to ensure adequate housing may be a challenge for many tenants. This paper explores the need for rental housing policy that would better support adequate and safe housing, particularly for low-income renters. A mixed-methods approach assessed residential tenant habitability concerns in Clark County, Nevada, through calls relayed to the Clark County Landlord–Tenant Hotline (CCLTH). Of the 2865 calls, 74.3% were from ZIP codes that were 80% of the median income and below. There was a significant relationship between the ZIP code-level income and the reporting of at least one essential habitability concern. Of the 266 participants that responded to a follow-up call, 34.6% reported that their complaint was resolved and there was no association between resolution and income. Qualitative data analysis from phone interviews revealed two central themes: (1) resources to navigate landlord–tenant laws are limiting and (2) housing policies need to be strengthened to help tenants and keep people housed. Understanding tenant concerns regarding substandard housing and related inequities can help inform rental housing policy and its implementation to promote healthy homes and improve health outcomes for communities burdened by poor rental housing conditions.
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Leigh-Hunt N, Fletcher-Brown R, Mould L. Impact of a tenancy health check. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-05-2020-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how loneliness and other mental health problems in older local authority housing tenants can be identified and addressed.
Design/methodology/approach
A tenancy health check form to identify health and well-being issues was developed by housing and public health for use in a rolling programme of housing officer visits to elderly tenants. This form facilitated enquiries on loneliness, social isolation and mental health as part of a supportive conversation. Individuals identified as being lonely were signposted to a range of community activities and social groups, and for some, ongoing support via telephone was provided by the housing officer.
Findings
The tenancy health check helped identify loneliness in this population group and enabled signposting to an increased number of local community activities. In addition to improved individual well-being, social capital has been strengthened through the creation of community networks.
Practical implications
Use of a health check form during housing officer visits provides a low-cost means of identifying health and well-being issues in vulnerable populations and facilitates adoption of making every contact count approaches by social housing providers.
Originality/value
This case study demonstrates the scope to provide holistic support for social housing tenants through better connections between public sector and community organisations.
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