Developing high relational support services for individuals with long term mental health needs: scheme description and service evaluation

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a not‐for‐profit (third sector) social care facility designed to provide tenancy and high‐relational support and report an initial multi‐method evaluation of service inputs (what staff provide/facilitate); tenant outcomes; and views of the service.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using routine information collected on a daily basis over the course of a year, semi‐structured interviews and pre‐post testing.FindingsSupport needs vary over time and across tenants, with almost all support provided during waking hours. With appropriate support the health and wellbeing, personal and community safety, independence and social integration of all the tenants was maintained or enhanced using this social care model. The service was well received and would benefit from being replicated.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on data from a small number of individuals and relates to a single setting.Originality/valueHigh‐relational support delivered by not‐for‐profit social care providers can be effective, sustainable and cost efficient for those with complex, enduring and severe mental health problems. This paper shows that such services can significantly improve the social inclusion experienced by individuals within them.