Noel, aged 25, is a former resident of Derventio Housing Trust, who supported him through mental and physical health challenges, a history of substance use and spiralling debt. With the lifeline of a supported home, Noel has been able to build a new career and healthier, happier life.
After struggling with a diagnosis of drug-induced psychosis and issues with substance use, Noel found himself living in a B&B after his family asked him to leave the family home as he was showing violent behaviour. Without support, Noel got into significant debt, continued using substances and put his physical health at risk.
Living in a B&B without the right support is proven to have poor health outcomes for people who need help to live independently. It was clear that to avoid his mental health struggles getting worse, Noel needed support.
What difference did supported housing make?
After moving into Derventio’s Healthy Futures housing, supported housing for people facing mental and physical health challenges, Noel received different types of support tailored to his needs. He had guidance from his support officer around less hazardous substance use and how to look after his physical health, he saw a specialist debt officer who worked with Noel to sort out his finances, and Paul, his Healthy Futures officer supported him through hospital visits and weekly support meetings.
With all this support Noel was able to create a more stable life. It meant Noel was able to plan his next steps and work out where he wanted to go. Noel has a degree in science and decided he wanted to pursue a career in ecology. Now, he is living with his grandfather and working for a consultancy in an assistant ecologist post, doing surveys of bats.
Without support, Noel could have ended up back in hospital in a psychiatric ward, or he could be facing homelessness or spiraling debts.
As Noel’s mum says, the role of Noel’s support worker Paul was important to supporting him through a difficult time in their lives:
‘Paul, I just wanted to say that from the start your involvement has been so valuable. From a parent’s perspective I think they go above and beyond in their role. They’re very understanding and have a strengths based, positive and forward-looking outlook which really encourages both the family and the person they are working with. They work systemically with the multiple systems around the person and this is absolutely necessary in my view.’
