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Individuals with a mental illness may be able to receive housing assistance from Second Step. The not-profit profit provides various solutions to those who need additional support. While any type of housing provided is generally short term in nature, it will be combined with other services to enable the individual to gain long term stability. The goal of Second Step is to help the person apply for schemes for paying rent on a new home, access care, and otherwise live independently.

Housing assistance for people with mental disability

One of the main resources is Supported Housing. This will be customized to meet the needs of the clients and allow the individual time to take action. There are a few different types provided, as noted below.

Flats and shared housing are located in Bristol. These will be available on a temporary basis for people that qualify. The capacity is limited, and only a couple dozen units are available. Many of the Second Step units are also for the disabled. When the individual has achieved stability, they can get advice on applying for schemes for their deposit, government housing benefits, and other aid. This can lead to a private accommodation in the area.

Longer term flats are offered as well, those these are not as common. The staff from Second Step can advise clients on this. The individual may need to pay a deposit to use the flat. Those with a mental illness may be able to use these sites, though capacity is very limited.

To use the supported housing from Second Step, clients need be have basic living skills, be willing to accept support, currently be living in unsuitable conditions, and meet other terms. Note that the tenant will need to pay a small monthly rent amount for the housing. It will depend on factors such as the clients total household income levels.

No matter which type of housing is used, staff and keyworkers will help the clients identify strengths and set goals. This will be part of a long term recovery strategy. They also partner with social service agencies in Bristol as well as other not-for profit and charity organisations. Call 0117 9222 000 for details.

Disability schemes from the government are combined with services from Second Step. There is grants, welfare benefits to help pay the bills, Local Housing Allowance and more. A GP is often involved with specialists from Second step on arranging support. Clients can learn more about disability benefit schemes.

ITS, or Intensive Tenancy Support, is for people with a more serious mental illness. It is for those that are also faced with imminent homelessness. So maybe the individual had their housing benefits reduced or can’t pay their rent on time. Others can be threatened with a water or utility shut off. These are some of the typical clients of the ITS service.

This will provide both housing and more ongoing advice and support. There may be daily contact from caseworkers and staff from Second Step. Together they will address emotional, practical, and other needs.

There will also get help in applying for any government grants for their housing needs. Or Second step will explore private loans available in Bristol. Other support is for talking to utility companies or landlords, filling in forms, or applying for security deposit schemes for a new home. They also work with other agencies as part of Intensive Tenancy Support. Call 0117 9222 000 to reach the Bristol City Council.

Temporary accommodations are available for people in Bristol that are homeless and have a mental condition. Flats are based in Homefield Court, Toll House Court, Wayland Court, and other towns. The units are run in partnership with charities and churches such as Wellbeing Service, Mental Health Crisis, and the Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service.

As part of the stat, guests will partner with specialist professionals on finding a long term solution. The goal is to get the individual into private accommodations. So they will get help in applying for government benefits for their deposit and other financial aid.

Moving help from Second Step

Resettlement from Second Step will help the tenant move into a new home or apartment. The focus is on people facing eviction. Clients will get help in locating a new home, advice on paying rent or bills, obtaining furniture and more. These can also be support in addressing drug or alcohol dependency

For people that are moving into a property but need help with the deposit, there may be assistance for that expense. Others may need help getting utilities connected, general budgeting advice, or furnishing. The staff from Second Step can help those with a mental issue on these issues.

Moving assistance is offered as part of the Community Supported Accommodation Project. This will help those with a mental illness move into their own home in the Bristol area. Staff from Second Step help on this process. Clients will get help in applying for help with any rent in advance due and get support on basic living activities as well, such as even food preparation. Some of the key partners for this are Avon and Wiltshire Partnership as well as Bristol City Council Health and Social Care.

Many other programmes are offered by Second Step. For more information, call 0117 909 6630. Or the address is 9 Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8PE.