No place like HOME: specialist housing services for people with mental health problems, outcomes, movements and experiences

Saidi, Marya (2013) No place like HOME: specialist housing services for people with mental health problems, outcomes, movements and experiences. PhD thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science.

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Abstract

Background: No exact and reliable data exists on the characteristics and needs of people with mental health problems in England living in specialist housing services (SHSs). Aims: To describe the cohort of service users’ with mental illness aged 18 to 65 living in various types of SHSs (care homes, supported housing, and Shared Lives schemes) as well as their housing satisfaction, taking into account their social inclusion, and social networks. Pathways into SHSs were accounted for: delayed discharge, referrals and move-on accommodation where applicable. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted - using interview schedules designed for the purpose of this study - with 86 service users and 40 managers of SHSs within 7 areas of England. Analysis: Based on a mixed-methods approach: each interview was coded and string variables were turned into quantifiable ones; anonymised quotes from service users and managers were included in the body of the text. Main analysis is quantitative, with a secondary qualitative study, using framework analysis. Results: Differing support levels influenced service users’ experiences and pathways into SHSs, as well as the outlooks of managers. Analyses revealed several aspects mediating housing satisfaction. Many service users were not very well integrated in the community although managers held different views. Some service users were very much reliant on staff and had small social networks. Discrimination was still persistent and recent policy initiatives, in terms of funding, housing, benefits and employment held a negative impact. Preferences of service users were for the most part not taken into account. Conclusions: Further research is needed with regard to BME groups as well as other SHSs settings like Shared Lives schemes. Data should be more systematically collected and in more detail and barriers to employment should be tackled. Better advocacy and information for service users should be established.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information:	© 2013 Marya Saidi
Library of Congress subject classification:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Sets:	Departments > Social Policy
Supervisor:	Knapp, Martin and Beecham, Jennifer
URI:	http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/914

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