It is not unusual to be homeless and experience poor mental health. The Housing Options Team works closely with mental health support services to prevent you from becoming homeless and to ensure you receive the advice and support to help you improve your health and sustain housing.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis you should contact The Access Team on: 0808 196 3002 which is an urgent NHS mental health helpline.
If you are homeless, and experience poor mental health, the Housing Options Teams will take this into consideration when providing you with housing advice and assistance. We may ask questions about any support or medication that you receive for your mental health and we may ask to speak to other professionals who are supporting you.
If you are homeless, we will consider whether you are vulnerable and in ‘priority need’ as a result of your mental health when assessing our duty to provide you with emergency accommodation.
We will provide information about the advice and advocacy services available to you and provide detail of outreach support services and supported accommodation options according to your needs through your Personalised Housing Plan.
You may also feel that your mental health is impacted by substance misuse. It is important that health professionals working with you provide you with advice and assistance that address both your mental health and substance misuse together (known as co-occurring or dual diagnosis).
Housing Advice
The Housing Options Team can provide you with a full housing need assessment and advice on options in the Borough.
Homes Plus own the majority of social housing stock in Stafford Borough and you can register directly with them via their website - Home - Homes Plus.
The Housing Options Team are able to refer you into general needs housing, which includes low level supported accommodation. If you have specialist health needs that require specific accommodation, you will need to contact your health professional to see what options are available to you. You should ask your health professional whether you are entitled to Section 117 aftercare which may include housing or support and care to help you sustain accommodation. More information on Section 117 Aftercare (rethink.org).
Community Matron for the Homeless
If you are homeless and experiencing poor mental or physical health you can attend the following drop-in sessions for further advice and assistance:
- Monday - Rising Brook Church - 9.30am-11.30am
- Tuesday - Elevate Centre (previously Signposts) - 10am-12pm
- Wednesday - Holmcroft Community Centre - 9am-12.30pm
- Friday - Rising Brook Church - 10am-12pm
Support
Access Team, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust
Urgent NHS Mental Health Helpline
0808 196 3002
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Wellbeing Services
NHS service that provides support and treatment that improve emotional wellbeing
0300 303 0923
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Wellbeing Service
Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline
For those feeling concerned, worried, stressed or low, they offer a call service evenings and weekend to offer support when other services are closed.
0808 800 2234
7pm - 2am weekdays
2pm - 2am weekends
Rethink
Supported Accommodation for people affected by mental illness
01785 610555
Email: SAHMS@rethink.org.uk
Stafford and Cannock League of Hospital Friends
Supported accommodation for people affected by mental illness
01785 413233
Housing Services - Stafford and Cannock League of Hospital Friends
MIND
Free counselling, anger management, befriending and parent support
01782 262100 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm)
Samaritans
Provide telephone and online support
116 123 (Open 24/7)
STARS (Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Services)
Telephone and in person services for people who need help with drug or alcohol misuse
Email: humankind.starswest@nhs.net
01785 270080
Young Minds
Helpline for young people, parents or carers with mental health concerns
0808 802 5544
Contact us
The Housing Options Team, based at Stafford Borough Council, can provide you with advice on your housing needs and explain what options are available to you.
01785 619000
Email: housingadvice@staffordbc.gov.uk
If you are homeless and the council offices are closed, then you can contact the homelessness out of hours service on 01785 619170. You should only use this service if you have nowhere to stay immediately.